Best and worst-case scenario for Cavs trade acquisition Rajon Rondo

The Cleveland Cavaliers wasted no time adding guard depth as they completed a trade for Rajon Rondo on Friday. The deal was a player-for-player trade as the Cavs shipped off Denzel Valentine to the Los Angeles Lakers, who waived him shortly thereafter. This trade also creates small TPEs for both teams, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Acquiring another guard was the Cavs’ biggest priority at the time of the trade as the losses of Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton for the season, as well as Darius Garland entering COVID-19 health and safety protocols, had made the position very thin.

Initial reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski stated that Rondo is “eager” to play a bigger role on a team with playoff aspirations. On the season, Rondo has seen a very diminished role with the Lakers due to his playstyle not fitting with the rest of the roster.

At 35 years old, it’s no secret that Rondo is in the twilight of his career. Last season, Rondo played a part in the LA Clippers’ Western Conference Run where former teammates praised his ability to set up the offense in the halfcourt in his limited play and the veteran presence that he provided. Though his play dipped heading into last season’s playoffs, the Cavaliers may be able to squeeze out any juice he has left with the system they have in place.

Rondo obviously won’t be able to make up for the scoring lost with Rubio sidelined but the facilitation ability is still there for Rondo, who ranks 14th all-time in total assists. Rondo should also find more success playing alongside Darius Garland with his off-ball movement and shooting ability.

So, what’s the best/worst-case scenario for Rondo on the Cavs?

For Rondo, the best-case scenario is being playable for the Cavs, returning back to his 2020 form and buying into the system that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has put in place. Over the years, Rondo has had tons of success with bigs like Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and JaVale McGee and the hope is that the trend can continue with the Frobley frontcourt.

The Cavaliers would also ask Rondo to alleviate ball-handling pressure from Garland and be a mentor to the third-year guard which in turn could help his passing take another jump. Rondo would also be asked to form relationships with the young core, helping to put them in the best spots for success.

Rondo’s play improves in the playoffs as it has numerous times in his career as the Cavaliers look to continue their success this season and potentially make a deep playoff run.

The worst-case scenario for the Cavaliers is that Rondo continues to look like a shell of himself. Rondo’s lack of shot creation, shooting, and defensive effort makes him unplayable despite his high basketball IQ. Rondo doesn’t buy into the system put in place and doesn’t accept the Cavs looking to play young players over him.

The negative impact this brings causes a rift between him and the organization, threatening the solidified culture that was put in place. Rondo is eventually released or traded.

Considering the position he is in, the worst-case scenario is unlikely to happen. Rondo has embraced the role he has been put in over the years and I fully expect that to continue in Cleveland.