Nov 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers are nearing a trade for Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo, with the hope of adequately replacing Ricky Rubio.
Rubio suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, which will cost him his season. Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff called Rubio a sixth starter at times, as he was a stable veteran force Cleveland’s young corps desperately needed.
For an adequate replacement, Cleveland could’ve gone big and tried to acquire Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons. Instead, they went on the lower end.
The Cavaliers have traded for Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo — a veteran who can play a similar role as Rubio. The terms of the deal aren’t known at this time.
As the tweet suggests, Rondo is still in COVID-19 protocol, along with so many notable names around the Association.
Rajon Rondo trade: Will Cavaliers get positive production out of him?
Rondo could need a change of scenery, as he’s struggled in his time with the Lakers, averaging just 3.1 points and 3.7 assists per game on 32.4 percent shooting. Three-point shooting has never been Rondo’s strength, either, so he has limited range in that department.
But what Rondo does bring is a stabilizing force to the Cavaliers’ second unit. Cleveland sits in the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, so they’re well within striking distance in terms of making the playoffs.
Making the postseason would be a major step for the Cavaliers young corps, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Rondo could also serve as a mentor of sorts for Garland and even Collin Sexton, who is out for the season with a similar injury to Rubio.