For what seems like the umpteenth time over the last several years, Rajon Rondo is a free agent again.
The mercurial point guard spent the 2018-19 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but as a result of hand injuries throughout the year, he played in just 46 games.
When he was on the floor, he averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals over 29.8 minutes per game while shooting 40.5 percent from the field, 35.9 percent from 2-point range and 63.9 percent from the free-throw line.
There was a time where Rondo simply could not shoot, but those days appear to be over, as he has actually been a respectable perimeter shooter for the last four seasons, all of which were spent with different teams.
With Rondo seeming likely to change uniforms again this summer, here are the three best landing spots for the veteran.
3. Phoenix Suns
The Suns certainly won't be Rajon Rondo's first choice, as he will most likely want to sign with a contender.
However, at this stage of Rondo's career, his luster is not what it once was, and top-flight teams are no longer clamoring to try to add him to their rosters.
Based on that, Rondo may not have a ton of options, but Phoenix could be one.
The Suns need a point guard more than anything, and Rondo would be a great mentor for Phoenix's young players. With Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, T.J. Warren (if the team doesn't trade him) and the No. 6 pick in the draft (maybe a young point guard?), the Suns actually have a nice young nucleus going forward.
Perhaps Rondo could serve as the impetus to really drive some of Phoenix's youngsters forward and prepare them for actually playing meaningful basketball in another year or two.
2. New York Knicks
The Knicks obviously have their sights set on bigger fish like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but if New York only lands Durant and isn't able to nab Irving to go along with him, Rajon Rondo would be a nice pickup.
New York is in desperate need of a point guard, which is something the franchise hasn't really had since Stephon Marbury was in town a decade and a half ago.
Rondo seems like a perfect fit with Durant, as he would be able to get him the ball wherever he wants it without stepping on his toes in terms of wanting to score the ball himself.
Not only that, but Rondo, when engaged, is a terrific defender, an area where the Knicks could absolutely use some help.
1. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have the cap room for a max free agent, and some feel they will pursue Kemba Walker, but let's say Indiana strikes out on Walker. Rondo would be a decent fallback option at point guard.
Rondo's presence would take a heck of a lot of pressure off of Victor Oladipo when he gets healthy, as Oladipo frequently is tasked with being the Pacers' primary scorer as well as their top facilitator.
One thing we know that Rondo does exceptionally well is facilitate, and we also know that the 2008 NBA champion tends to turn his game up a notch in the playoffs.
Rajon Rondo isn't the best option for the Pacers, but he would certainly be a feasible one if it comes to that.
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