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Windhorst: Clippers Interested in Rajon Rondo Trade with Hawks Before Deadline
March 25, 2021
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly exploring a trade for Atlanta Hawks point guard Rajon Rondo.
"I just heard about some talks [about] the Clippers maybe acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Atlanta Hawks," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on First Take.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium confirmed the two sides are in serious talks.
The Clippers were interested in Rondo during the offseason before the veteran guard signed a two-year, $15 million contract in Atlanta. Rondo has largely struggled as a role player in the Hawks rotation, averaging 3.9 points, 3.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game.
The Clippers have been seeking a lead ball-handler dating back to the offseason without success. Rondo has significant playoff experience and is a steady locker-room voice, but it's unclear whether he's ultimately a helpful NBA player at this point in his career.
While many will point to Rondo's solid play during the Lakers' Finals run last season, those moments came in bursts and were anything but consistent. Rondo shot just 35.1 percent in the Finals against the Miami Heat and was a net-negative player in every game besides Games 2 and 6.
If Rondo is the best the Clippers can do on the trade market before the deadline, then he might be a fine acquisition. That said, it's fair to wonder if they might be better off holding the fort down with the roster they have rather than adding Rondo to the mix.
