Rondo cleared to join Cavs after three-team trade completed

Rajon Rondo Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rajon Rondo cleared to join Cavaliers after three-team trade completed

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/3/22

The Lakers finalized the trade that sent Rajon Rondo to the Cleveland Cavaliers by getting another team in the mix, reportedly sending Denzel Valentine to the Knicks in what is now a three-team deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers are finalizing trading Denzel Valentine to the New York Knicks as part of what is now a three-team deal sending Rajon Rondo to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2022

The Knicks were expected to take the day to decide whether to keep Valentine or allow him to sign elsewhere, although they went ahead and made roster room for him within just a few hours.

The Knicks have cut Wayne Selden, league sources tell The Athletic. Knicks had to make room for Denzel Valentine to complete the trade with the Lakers and Cavaliers.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 3, 2022

Rondo, meanwhile, was cleared to join the Cavs Monday after being in the league's health and safety protocols, although it isn't clear yet when exactly he will start practicing with them.

From a little earlier, #Cavs J.B. Bickerstaff said Rajon Rondo has been cleared, and they are working on the logistics of when he will join the Cavs.
— Kelsey Russo (@kelseyyrusso) January 3, 2022

Cleveland's trade for the veteran point guard comes after Ricky Rubio was lost for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Rondo, 35, has struggled a bit this season, posting just 3.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. As CBS Sports points out, Rondo is still a good defender and could fit the Cavs' identity quite nicely.

As for the Lakers, they can now add another player to their roster and try to get some momentum going. The Southern California squad is currently teetering around .500 in what has been a rather underwhelming season for a team with so many big names on its roster.

The Lakers and Cavaliers previously faced off in October and won't see each other again until March 21.

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