NBA

Bulls Plan to Waive Rajon Rondo Barring Trade: Report

The Chicago Bulls signaled the beginning of a rebuild when they traded away Jimmy Butler at the NBA Draft, but now it appears they’re going to take another step in that direction.

According to a report from RealGM, the Bulls are planning on waiving point guard Rajon Rondo unless they are able to trade him before the start of NBA free agency on Saturday.

Rondo has a team option for the 2017-18 season with the Bulls that would pay him $13.4 million. If the Bulls opt to waive him instead, he would get just $3 million guaranteed, and would then be able to sign with any other team.

In his lone season with the Bulls, Rondo averaged 7.8 points and 6.7 assists per game, and was a player that fell in and out of favor with head coach Fred Hoiberg. He was benched part of the way through the season, but he made a comeback late in the campaign and was a key contributor to the Bulls’ two victories over the Boston Celtics in the playoffs.

Once Rondo suffered an injury, the Bulls’ fortunes took a dive, and they ended up losing four straight games to close out the first round series.

If Rondo ends up being waived by the team, the Bulls will likely give his minutes to Kris Dunn, acquired in the Butler trade, and to Cameron Payne, acquired in last year’s Taj Gibson trade.

The Bulls’ attention would then turn to Dwyane Wade, as they evaluate whether to buy out the veteran shooting guard this summer. John Paxson and Gar Forman have indicated that they won’t do that unless Wade gives back some of the nearly $25 million he is owed for next season, but with a rebuild on the way, they could push to make it happen. 

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