Rajon Rondo to join Kings (Photo : REUTERS)
Free-agent point guard Rajon Rondo has agreed to join the Saramento Kings a one-year deal worth $9.5 million.
Rondo's was coming off a disastrous stint with the Dallas Mavericks that led to a heated on-court exchange with coach Rick Carlisle.
The Mavs and Rondo later made a mutual decision for to part ways.
Rondo spent the first eight and a half years of his NBA career with the Boston Celtics, where he won a an NBA title and placed runner-up in another season.
With the Celtics, he made the All-Star four times and all-defensive team selection also four times.
He also won two assists title during his Celtics tenure.
The 29-year-old Rondo, who has career averages of 10.8 points, 8.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game, has not regained his previous explosiveness after a knee injury in January 2013.
He also lacks perimeter shooting, averaging only 26.3 percent from 3-point range.
Observers say that having Rondo in a lineup that includes Kings center Demarcus Cousins will spell more trouble for the team.
Cousins also feuded with his coach, George Karl, and the situation escalated with the latter demanding that the center be traded.
However, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive balked at the suggestion and reportedly thought of replacing Karl with John Calapari if the veteran NBA coach could not work with his prized center. Ranadive has since confirmed that they would keep Karl.
Meanwhile, trade talks continue to surround Cousins, the latest stating that the Los Angeles Lakers might give up D'Angelo Russell to get his services. But it turned out to be untrue.
Shooting guard Marco Belinelli also agreed to join the Kings on a three-year, $19 million contract.
The Kings also dangled a four-year, $64 million deal to Portland Trail Blazers free-agent swingman Wesley Matthews, but the latter decided to join the Dallas Mavericks.
Another change in the Kings lineup will be forward Derrick Williams departing for the New York Knicks on a two-year, $10 million contract.
