The Lakers are shipping Rajon Rondo and his guaranteed $2.6 million veteran’s minimum contract off to Cleveland for the non-guaranteed salary of shooting guard Denzel Valentine.
The 35-year-old veteran point guard is headed to Cleveland after Ricky Rubio tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and went out for the remainder of the season during a loss in New Orleans on Tuesday.
28-year-old Valentine was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 2016. In September, he signed a two-year deal worth a reported $4.1 million with Cleveland. In 22 games for the Cavaliers, Valentine averaged 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 37% from the floor and 41% from 3-point range. With this trade, the Lakers are expected to waive Valentine to create a roster spot.
