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Report: Rajon Rondo meeting with Kings on Friday

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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Flush with cap room but very few interested takers, the Sacramento Kings find themselves in a rather awkward bargaining position.

But that's no concern for much-maligned free-agent point guard Rajon Rondo, who flew to Sacramento to meet with the Kings on Friday, Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reports.

Rondo and the Kings have been linked for some time, and it's well known that there's mutual interest between the two parties. Kings forward Rudy Gay is also a good friend of Rondo's, and has been pulling for his team to sign him.

The Kings only had $10 million in cap space when free agency started, but they agreed to a shortsighted and premature cap-clearing trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to bump that number close to $30 million. Before the trade, Rondo reportedly wanted all $10 million of the Kings' funds. Now, with the Kings increasing their spending power, Rondo's wish might come true.

It also doesn't help that the Kings' intended targets - Monta Ellis and Wesley Matthews - both passed on Sacramento offers. That leaves Rondo in a strong negotiating position.

But it's not as if Rondo has done himself any favors. Rondo was a disaster with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on a true shooting percentage of 46 percent. His insistence on running his own plays and his inability to shoot led to friction with Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle.

Rondo eventually flamed out in the playoffs, including practically checking out during one game. He was then benched for a "back injury" by Carlisle, who did little to hide his true intentions.

Still, the Kings are desperately looking to buy and Rondo's market is rather thin, so they make for a good match. To his credit, Rondo is a four-time All-Star who profiles as a good defender. He can't space the floor, but he's a willing passer on a team full of shot-happy players.

Should the Kings whiff on Rondo, reports suggest they could inquire on Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams.

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