Cavaliers Bring In 2-time NBA Champ to Replace Rubio

Less than 48 hours after losing Ricky Rubio to a torn ACL, the Cleveland Cavaliers have apparently filled the hole in their lineup, as they are completing a trade to bring in Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are nearing a trade to acquire Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo -- and an agreement is expected to be reached as soon as Friday, sources tell ESPN. Rondo would be able to join Cleveland as soon as he clears Covid protocols.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 30, 2021

The 35-year-old Rondo comes into the Cavs to be a stabilizing veteran force off the bench, after having played a similar critical role on the 2020 title-winning Lakers.

Rondo, however, wasn't getting much run with L.A. this season, and perhaps their recent signing of Darren Collison helped make him expendable. The Lakers, in turn, are expected to open up a roster spot. They could receive a second-round pick from the Cavs, or a non-guaranteed contract that they could waive, according to Woj. The two sides are hoping to finalize the deal on Friday.

Rondo, who also won a championship in his rookie season with the Boston Celtics back in 2008, will have a hard time filling the shoes of Rubio for the Cavs. Rubio was averaging 28 minutes a game, 13 points and 6.6 assists. Rondo was averaging 3.1 points and 3.7 points in his limited PT with the Lakers.

The Cavs wanted to act quickly, as they try to keep the momentum they've built this season, currently sitting at 20-14 and in solid playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

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