NBA Free Agents 2015: Rajon Rondo Open to Staying with Dallas Mavericks Despite Spat with Rick Carlisle
Rajon Rondo is not yet thinking about his impending free agency in the offseason, but the All-Star point guard reiterated that he is still open to re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks.
Previous reports indicated that Rondo will likely sign with another team when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after having a heated argument with Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle in one of their games last month.
But in an interview with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, Rondo stressed that he sees no reason why he will not consider signing a new deal with the Mavericks after the 2014-15 NBA season.
"Why would I not be?" Rondo said when asked if he is open-minded to re-signing with the Mavericks. "There are a lot of things that I really love. Even the practices, we listen to music, my type of music. It's the little things."
Rondo, who is one of the big-name players set to become free agents in the offseason, was acquired by the Mavericks in a trade with the Boston Celtics earlier in the season. Before the Mavericks agreed to the deal, they made sure that Rondo is open to signing a new deal with them.
The Mavericks got a guarantee that Rondo will prioritize the Mavericks when he hits free agency, but previous reports suggested that the 29-year-old had a change of heart after the spat with Carlisle. Rondo clarified the issue, pointing out that he is being misunderstood.
"People are going to say what they want to say. I don't talk, so I don't know why they would say that," Rondo said, referring to speculation that he will leave Dallas this summer. "I don't think I play as if I don't want to be here. I give it all when I'm out there on the court."
Rondo, who spent the first eight full seasons of his career in Boston, pointed out that arguing with his coach is not a big deal for him. He admitted that he had clashes with Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith, former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith and former Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
As for his current situation, Rondo, who averaged 9.5 points and 6.1 assists in his first 29 games with the Mavericks, said that his relationship with Carlisle is still a work in progress, but he added that he has been talking to 55-year-old coach a lot since he was traded to Dallas.
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