The NBA trade rumor mill surrounding Rajon Rondo eventually came to fruition, as the Boston Celtics ended up trading him to the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Brian Robb of Boston.com, Rondo's trade was an abrupt departure from Boston to his new home in Dallas. Rondo spoke with local media in Boston about the deal.
"It will be a different experience, but I left here on great terms," Rondo said. "I think pretty much everyone on the staff and my teammates still love me."
Rondo went back to Boston, this time representing Dallas, on Friday, two weeks after the trade was made. The Mavericks won over the Celtics 199-101 in that game.
However, Rondo had no love lost for his former team. He aimed his message at Boston fans.
"I was very grateful to play for a sports organization like the Boston Celtics. It starts with Danny Ainge and Wyc Grousbeck believing in me from day one," Rondo said. "The way the fans have embraced me from day one is a very humbling experience. I'm glad I got to experience this in my life."
According to Brandon Jennings of Fansided, Rondo was acquired from the Celtics to replace starting point guard Jameer Nelson. The Mavericks hoped to make their offense even more effective, which is already the highest-scoring team in the NBA.
"Rondo once again finds himself surrounded by a bevy of talented offensive players and he will find optimal scoring opportunities throughout the course of the game," Jennings wrote. "The Mavericks' ball movement, spacing and unselfish style of play suit Rondo's game and his level of comfort within the Dallas offensive is evident with each passing game."
Although Rondo has only appeared in a Mavericks jersey for seven games so far, Jennings thought he and the team were a good fit for each other.
"Rondo's scoring output has jumped from 8.3 to 15.4 points per game, and his shooting from the field has improved from 41 percent in Boston to 47 percent during his time in Dallas," Jennings wrote.
Rondo elaborated on how the change of venue to Dallas energized him.
"It's a different beast in the West," Rondo said. "It's a lot more fast, up tempo pace. Coaches want me to attack a lot more, push the ball and look for my shot."
However, he still remained friends with former Celtics teammates Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley. He noted that changes are a fact of life.
"I've been here for a long time. I've been friends with Jeff, Brandon and Avery for five years now," Rondo said. "We still keep in touch. No one has died. We still have the same phone numbers and we keep in touch."
Rondo also had some comments about being traded within the NBA. He admitted that he came into the league "traded."
"I'm not the only one who goes through trade rumors each year," Rondo said. "Obviously dealing with Boston sports and the media is a lot bigger than a lot of other cities but it's part of it. I think I handled it pretty well but I didn't let it affect me as far as my game and play."
Jennings thought that Rondo can greatly help the Mavericks become even more dynamic, if the improvement rate in his shooting is an indicator.
"Rondo ... continues to rebound extremely well for a point guard, which leaves room for growth in only one area," Jennings wrote. "Rondo has the necessary talent around him, one of the top coaching staffs in the league behind him and he has displayed the confidence to improve his shooting."
