Grading all of the Atlanta Hawks moves this offseason
Rajon Rondo: 2 years, $15 million
Let’s start with the most polarizing free-agent addition, Rajon Rondo.
Fresh off another NBA championship run, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Rondo declined his player option and became an unrestricted free agent. The Atlanta Hawks reportedly agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with Rondo at the start of free agency.
He’s no longer the defender he once, sometimes being a liability on that side, but Rondo brings a ton of value to this young Hawks team.
Rondo’s playmaking ability gives the Hawks a solid backup point guard to Trae Young. Something they sorely needed last season after the failed experiment known as Evan Turner. When the two share the court, it will free up head coach Lloyd Pierce to play Young off-ball more and unlock another facet to the budding star’s game.
Renowned for his superior basketball I.Q. and revered for his willingness to share his knowledge of the game with his younger peers, Rondo will also provide veteran leadership to this talented but young roster. That’s where his real value lies.
He can aid in the development of these younger players and help them create winning habits. He doesn’t bring much to the table (on the court) during the regular season but has a knack for turning things up in the postseason.
Rondo appeared in 121 playoff games over his 14-year career and won two NBA championships in three appearances. One can argue that the Hawks may have overpaid on this one, but his experience in the postseason will prove to be invaluable.