Halfway through the2021-22 NBA season, weāve already seen many surprises. For instance, the fantastic start of the Cleveland Cavaliers, or the weak, inconsistent first months of the new-look Los Angeles Lakers.
However, while LeBron James and company are struggling to get things going, the Cavs have suffered a huge blow recently with theseason-endinginjury of Ricky Rubio, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.
According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers have moved fast to replace the veteran playmaker and a trade for Rajon Rondo could be completedbefore the weekend.
NBA Trade Rumors: Cavalierscould trade for Lakersā Rajon Rondo
āThe sides are working out terms on a deal, but the Cavaliers need to create a roster spot to make room for Rondo,ā Woj wrote.āThe Cavaliers could include a minimum-contract player in the deal with Los Angeles, or waive a player and complete the trade using a second-round pick or cash. The Cavaliers also have a trade exception that can absorb Rondoās $2.6 million salary.
āThe Lakers donāt have to take back matching salary in the deal because Rondo is on a minimum contract, and could take back a non-guaranteed deal that they could waive,ā he continued. āThe trade is expected to open up a roster spot for the Lakers.ā
However, the Cavs will have to wait for Rondo to be cleared fromthe NBAhealth and safety protocolshe entered on Sunday. The 35-year-oldās level this season hasnāt been close to that of Rubio, but with the Spaniard out for the remainder of the season, the Cavsseem to be optimistic on what the four-time NBA All-Starcould bring to Cleveland.
