Grading the Cavaliers

Rajon Rondo is in his 16th NBA season and while he has drawn a lot of controversy over the years because of his fit with certain players, he is still a four-time All-Star and a two-time champion.

These will never be taken away from Rondo and his experience could prove to be vital for a very young Cavaliers team that only has three players on their roster (Jarrett Allen, Ed Davis and Kevin Love) with playoff experience, four if you count Ricky Rubio. 

On a minimum contract for this season and set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, Rajon Rondo is basically on a “one-year loan” deal with the Cavaliers after this trade. 

By making this trade, Cleveland was able to stay below the luxury tax line for the season, they were able to use part of their $4.2M trade exception that expires in February and the Cavs were able to replace Ricky Rubio’s veteran presence in the backcourt. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cavs Trade For Rajon Rondo From Lakers — Full Details

For his career, Rondo has averaged 8.0 assists per game and 1.6 steals per game, making him the perfect complimentary backcourt piece next to Darius Garland.

He can take pressure off of the young guard by being a primary facilitator for this team and with all the height they have in Mobley, Allen and Markkanen, Rajon Rondo should actually be able to find a lot of success running pick-and-rolls on this team. 

I really like this move by Koby Altman and the Cavaliers, as there is really no risk associated with this move. Denzel Valentine does not hold a role for this team once Cedi Osman returns from protocols and Cleveland is not spending any money in this deal. 

Grade: B+