This early into the Sacramento Kings' Dave Joerger era, another flashpoint might be brewing.
The Kings' have a big question in the point guard spot which was filled out by NBA assists leader Rajon Rondo. The former Boston Celtics All-Star is arguably the most polarizing free agent to gauge. While he has league-best numbers, the actual value of his contribution is subject to heavy questions.
The Kings was already the team that took a chance on Rondo when no one would and it seemed natural to assume that they would also be the team that overpays him into a longer contract. But Zach Lowe of ESPN reported the Kings may be taking a more cautious, if not wiser approach.
"The latest scuttlebutt is that the Kings are prepared to cut bait with Rajon Rondo if the bidding for him gets beyond a certain threshold that is lower than we might imagine, given the Kings' recent transaction history."
That seems surprising when Sacramento is not exactly considered as a free agent destination despite having arguably the best big man in basketball. It can be recalled that players like Wesley Matthews turned down higher offers from the team in the offseason possibly because they were wary of the team's stability.
At that time, George Karl moved from interim coach to head coach amid rumors of conflict with the team's star player (which were later confirmed). Could the Kings be a viable destination now that they have a long-term GM in Vlade Divac and a competent coach under contract?
That may be the belief in the front office considering the way they're playing hardball with Rondo. However, as with any Sacramento move, the question will always follow: how will DeMarcus Cousins feel about it?
NBC Sports cautioned that Cousins wanted Rondo to stay in Sacramento, even joking that he will kidnap him just to make sure that he re-signs. The report was in December, though and at that time, the Kings had a real chance to make the playoffs. Things went south from that point on.
If Rondo does leave, Dan Feldman of NBC mentioned that one possible destination for him would be the Memphis Grizzlies, coach Joerger's former team. It is highly speculated that top free agent point guard Mike Conley may leave the Grizz (Joerger's departure could be a factor) and that will leave them with a hole at the point guard spot. Rondo could try out Memphis rather than the New York Knicks where he would be forced to run the triangle offense.