In the aftermath following the trade of All-Star forward Jimmy Butler during the 2017 NBA Draft, it has put the Chicago Bulls‘ future plans up in the air.
One of the looming situations that the Bulls must quickly resolve is Rajon Rondo‘s future with the team as his fate must be decided by June 30. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls are weighing a couple of options with Rondo.
According to sources, one option being considered is waiving Rondo and trying to re-sign him at a lower salary. However, Rondo restored his standing around the league with his professionalism and playoff performance under trying circumstances last season and is expected to draw interest from at least the Pelicans and Pacers in free agency. So that move would be a risk.
The Bulls can either head in one of two ways by keeping him on board for next season by paying him the remainder of his deal or risk him possibly leaving in free agency. With Butler now out of the mix, it could open the door to Rondo looking to play elsewhere with the team pushing a new direction.
Although Rondo had some internal issues with Chicago, he proved late in the season and in the playoffs that he can still be a high-impact player when given the opportunity to showcase that ability. He is still only 31 years old with plenty left in the tank to be an effective starting point guard in the NBA.
At this point, the only thing that is certain is that Dwyane Wade will return next season by picking up his $23.8 million player option for the 2016-17 campaign. However, that could also change if the Wade works toward a possible buyout to play for a contender that may include returning back to the Miami Heat.
Ultimate, what the Bulls do with Rondo could be a major indication on what could lie ahead of the franchise.
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