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The Sacramento Kings and Rajon Rondo are gravitating toward one another in free agency, and Rudy Gay has been pushing to make it happen. The Kings would look to potentially play both Rondo and Darren Collison together in an attempt to solidify their backcourt.
Rondo is looking for a one-year contract, hoping for a chance to redeem his value after a tumultuous finish to his season with the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Lakers were linked to Rondo in the past, but following the selection of D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 pick, are no longer interested in his services.
The Kings have been put through the wringer over the last month, dealing with dissonance between their front office, head coach and star player in DeMarcus Cousins. Making a play for Rondo doesn't address any of those issues, but he could be a worthwhile gamble to a team that has limited options in free agency.
Big names signing for big bucks
NBA free agency got off with an bang when Anthony Davis finalized a five-year contract extension worth $145 million to continue his reign as the New Orleans Pelicans franchise superstar. Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard agreed to the "framework" of a maximum-level contract to lead the San Antonio Spurs beyond the Tim Duncan era.
Neither player was expected to move elsewhere, but locking in these deals have big implications for both franchises. Two of the top young talents are set with their teams for a LONG time.
Other notes from the first hours of free agency
- The Milwaukee Bucks and restricted free agent Khris Middleton are closing in on a five-year deal worth $70 million, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. He was a longshot for any interested team to begin with, and now Milwaukee has all but shut the door.
- The Trail Blazers made one of the first surprise signings, landing Al-Farouq Aminu on a four-year deal worth $30 million.
- Brook Lopez and the Brooklyn Nets are hashing out a three-year deal worth $60 million.