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If you asked 100 Boston Celtics fans if the team should sign Rajon Rondo, at least 95 would say “Yes,” with about 75 adding the exclamation point.
The point is almost everybody would like Rondo’s services. So that is not in question.
The question is: At what price?
The Celtics reportedly have offered Rondo under $10 million per year over five years. While that’s not disrespectful (he had better not say it is), it isn’t elite money.
The reason why this is a necessity is that by Saturday night, Halloween no less, is the Celtics’ exclusive window of signing Rondo to an extention. If they don’t, Rondo becomes a restricted free agent, which means the Celtics have the right to match an offer.
I will say this. If Rondo is offered $13 million plus per year by somebody else, he’s gone.
Maybe the Celtics and Rondo agree to five years at $50 million.
What Rondo has going for him is the fact that he will be the No. 1 point guard available.
What Rondo has going against him is that two super super superstars, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and several superstars will be on the market as well, probably drying up the big-money spots on each team.
A few free agent competitors with Rondo are Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili,
Marcus Camby, Tracey McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Brad Miller, Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O’Neal, Mike Miller and Rip Hamilton.
This could be an interesting three days leading up to the deadline.
If Rondo balks at the initial deal and refuses to move, the Celtics will wait until next June.