/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46670234/usa-today-8516690.0.jpg)
Free agent point guard Rajon Rondo has signed a one-year contract worth $10 million with the Sacramento Kings, according to Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears. The one-time Boston Celtics champion was traded to the Dallas Mavericks at midseason, but was not expected to re-sign with them following a turbulent season punctuated by a one-game suspension and head coach Rick Carlisle telling reporters that he did not expect Rondo back with the team before the Mavericks were even eliminated from the playoffs.
The Kings were mostly bidding against themselves for Rondo's services, as while the Lakers front office did reach out him, they were considered unlikely to make a serious push for the former NBA All-Star after selecting D'Angelo Russell with their second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. According to Spears, part of the reason the Kings signed Spurs guard Marco Bellinelli this morning was that Rondo requested the Kings acquire more shooting. Spears also reports that Rondo is taking a one-year deal with the expectation of raising his stock and gaining a larger long-term contract next summer, when the NBA's salary cap is expected to spike. The Mavericks' offense was 5.5 points per 100 possessions worse with Rondo on the floor than when he was on the bench, and it will be interesting to see how much he can improve with the Kings.
The Lakers have been quiet so far in free agency, but Rondo being off of the market is probably one of the few acquisitions by another team that most Lakers fans are celebrating.