In a recent interview, Rajon Rondo revealed that he is open to joining the New York Knicks in the summer of 2016, potentially forming a new partnership with Carmelo Anthony. Once skeptical of the triangle offense, Rondo has now changed his tone, stating that he can adapt to any system—especially as the Sacramento Kings continue to struggle in the standings.
Rondo, a 6-foot-1 point guard, was originally selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 NBA Draft, then immediately traded to the Boston Celtics where he launched his professional career. During his time in Boston, he became a four-time All-Star, led the league in assists twice, and won an NBA Championship in the 2007–08 season. However, in December 2014, with the Celtics entering a full rebuild and no longer contenders, Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, and others.
His stint in Dallas was rocky, marked by tension with head coach Rick Carlisle. The friction stemmed from a clash in styles—Carlisle wanted to call plays from the bench, while Rondo preferred to control the game flow himself. The relationship deteriorated further during the playoffs against the Houston Rockets, where Rondo was accused of showing a lack of effort. The Mavericks essentially suspended him, and he parted ways with the team that summer.
In July 2015, Rondo signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, hoping to revive his reputation and prove he was still one of the league’s top playmakers. And statistically, he delivered—averaging 11.7 points, 11.8 assists, and 2 steals per game during the 2015–16 season, reestablishing himself as a high-efficiency floor general. “I don’t rule out any system or situation because I’m smart enough to figure it out,” Rondo said when asked about adapting to the triangle offense—a sharp contrast to his earlier stance, when he publicly questioned whether the system suited his game. His comments sparked a back-and-forth with then-Knicks head coach Derek Fisher.
With the Kings sitting at 27–42 and effectively out of the playoff race, Rondo is weighing his options. The team is undeniably talented, but internal issues—particularly with volatile star DeMarcus Cousins—have stifled Sacramento’s growth. Cousins’ unpredictable behavior and emotional outbursts have made him a ticking time bomb in the locker room, prompting the front office to consider trading him. For Rondo, staying in Sacramento offers little upside.
As he approaches free agency in 2016, Rondo is eyeing one last major contract and a chance to contribute to a playoff-caliber team. Partnering with Carmelo Anthony in New York may provide that opportunity. With his veteran experience, high basketball IQ, and renewed flexibility, Rondo could be the missing piece the Knicks need to regain relevance. Whether he makes the move or not, one thing is certain: Rondo is playing to prove he’s still got gas left in the tank—and the Knicks might just be the next stop on his journey.