Bulls Rumors: Rajon Rondo Expected to be Waived if Trade Partner Not Found

Rajon Rondo is expected to be waived if the Chicago Bulls can't find a trade destination for him before free agency begins July 1, the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson reported Thursday. 

Waiving Rondo on Friday would allow the Bulls to save more than $10 million against the salary cap since only $3 million of his $13.4 million salary for the 2017-18 season is guaranteed. 

Should the Bulls cut Rondo loose—and Johnson reported "all signs point" to that outcome—it would signal a continued shift in philosophy after they initiated a rebuild on draft night by shipping Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the No. 7 overall pick, which turned into Lauri Markkanen. 

With Rondo out of the picture, the Bulls would be able to free their depth chart of clutter and allow Dunn, Jerian Grant and Cameron Payne to divvy up backcourt reps. 

Rondo, then, would be free to pursue a new opportunity on the open market. 

In 69 appearances last season, Rondo averaged 7.8 points, 6.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 40.8 percent shooting from the field, including a career-high 37.6 percent from three. 

The 31-year-old also turned heads when he averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 dimes and 8.5 boards in a pair of first-round playoff wins over the Boston Celtics before he suffered a season-ending thumb fracture.