Memphis Grizzlies: 3 players that could be traded before 2021-22 season

The Memphis Grizzlies could trade Rajon Rondo before the 2021-22 NBA season

Immediately after Rondo was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Bledsoe deal, it was widely expected that he would never play a game there. They wasted no time trading Beverley following the move, and the writing is on the wall that Rondo would up next to be dealt if the Grizzlies were indeed still active in trade talks across the league.

This belief was only reinforced by Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian, who reported that Rondo will “probably not” be with the team to begin the season. That could mean the guard is potentially heading toward a buyout with the Grizzlies, but they would certainly like to trade him if possible before they buy out the $7.5 million remaining on his deal. However, they may have some trouble looking for a potential suitor to take on Rondo, given that he is 35-years-old and coming off the least productive season of his career while making a solid amount of money.

Still, the idea of getting Rondo has to be interesting to some degree for other teams. He has been among the best facilitators at the position during his career, serving as a masterful floor general. He is best suited to play in a backup role moving forward, but the veteran could provide quality minutes to teams that need a boost in the backcourt. This is particularly the case with contenders, who will remember how essential Rondo was for the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2019-20 title run. However, despite those claims, the likelihood of a team trading for that salary seems unlikely.

Following his down year in 2020-21, it does not seem like teams will be engaging in a bidding war to acquire Rondo anytime soon. He could be of interest to some degree, and if the opportunity presents itself, the Grizzlies will almost certainly pull the trigger on a deal. Teams will likely take a wait-and-see approach to try and get him on a buyout deal. Yet, never say never in the NBA.