There’s been a lot of worry about how much money Rajon Rondo might command on the open market next season, including in these parts. But we often overlook the fact that Rondo is not really going to be on the really, really open market, since he’ll be a restricted free agent. And John Hollinger makes an interesting point: Considering what’s going on with this year’s class of restricted FAs, will Rondo be in a strong bargaining position?
Money excerpt: In turn, this has to be chilling news if you’re Rajon Rondo, Luis Scola, Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani, Ronnie Brewer or Foye, all of whom will be restricted free agents next summer if they don’t sign extensions by opening day. (Brandon Roy, who is all but certain to get a maximum extension, needn’t worry.) The restricted free agents in the class of ‘09 couldn’t get a sniff of big money even in a very underwhelming free-agent market; what can they possibly expect a year from now when the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki and Amare Stoudemire could be available unrestricted?
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Perhaps a few of them will take a note out of Ben Gordon’s book and sign the 1-year qualifying offer to be unrestricted FA the following year.
Despite the economic climate, BG still managed to get overpaid.
I think next year’s restricted free agents will have a much easier time getting contract offers.
More teams with cap space = more demand = more offers
DJE,
Good point about Gordon, but it is risky. Imagine if Gordon had pulled a hamstring and missed most of the season and the playoffs. Also, if I remember correctly, didn’t he get from the Pistons about what he turned down from Chicago? (around 50 mill for 5 years)
Another good point about Gordon, not to mention the quality of life downgrade from Chicago2Detroit. To be honest, I like the Bulls, and Ben Gordon was not the answer for that team, nor will he work any better than The Answer in Detroit. I don’t know what’s going on in Motown except roster filling or maybe setting up to bring in Jim Calhoun??
Next years free agents besides the likes of Lebron, and D wade are going to have a lot harder time getting big money because the salary cap is going to take a huge dip next year..
The fact that the Cap is going to tank next year might just help us keep Rondo..