Rajon Rondo bought out by Grizzlies, expected to sign with Lakers

Rajon Rondo’s (brief) time with the Memphis Grizzlies has come to a close.

After *checks notes* 12 days with the franchise, Rondo agreed to a contract buyout with the Grizzlies. It’s a move that is expected to clear the way for him to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report Rondo’s buyout. He also added that the Clippers were the frontrunners to sign the former Wildcat once he hits free agency.

“After agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers are the frontrunners to sign guard Rajon Rondo,” said Wojnarowski. “Rondo will clear waivers on Monday and will likely be signed to fill one of the final available roster spot with the Lakers.”

This move comes after Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian reported an anticipated parting of ways back on August 19. The Grizzlies were above the roster limit leading up to the buyout and needed to move a player to complete a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that brought back Jarrett Culver and Juancho Hernangomez.

With Memphis in roster cutdown mode and Rondo looking to win another championship before calling it a career, the two sides were destined for an imminent breakup. Now, that breakup has been made official.

Rondo, who averaged 5.4 points and 4.4 assists in 2020-21, is entering his 16th year in the league. The 35-year-old has averaged 10.0 points, 8.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest in 15 years as a pro.

He previously played for the Lakers from 2018-2020 and helped lead the team to a title in 2020. The former Wildcat averaged 8.1 points, 6.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in two years with the franchise.

Rondo is looking to add another ring to his trophy case.