Guard Rondo, Celts Agree To New Pact

November 2, 2009 11:40 a.m. EST

Boston, MA (AHN) - The Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo have agreed to a contract extension. It's reportedly a five-year, $55 million deal.

They completed the deal Sunday night, hours before a midnight deadline that would have sent Rondo to free-agency.

Rondo would have become a restricted free agent, and could have signed with another team at the end of the season if he didn't get an extension.

The Celtics would've had the right to match any offer Rondo received.

The 23-year-old point guard is in his third season in Boston out of the University of Kentucky.

General manager Danny Ainge and owner Wyc Grousbeck were reportedly hesitant to sign Rondo long term because of questions surrounding his leadership skills.

"They were candid and we understood," said Rondo's agent, Bill Duffy. "It was never about on the court. They wanted him to demonstrate being more of a leader, meshing with the team, being engaged in the locker room."

Duff informed the Celtics Sunday Rondo was prepared to play out his current contract because he was unhappy with the team's offer. That set the groundwork to finish the deal.

Sunday before the deal was finalized, Rondo told reporters he wasn't worried about a new contract.

"I ain't called him at all," (speaking about communication with his agent). "He calls me. I don't call him. I had a tough first week. I can't really be selfish and focus on myself when I've got Mo Williams, Raymond Felton, Chris Paul and Derrick Rose (opposing me at guard). It wouldn't be fair to my team if I was thinking about that right now."

Rondo averaged 11.9 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds a game last season, but put up triple-doubles during the playoffs.

He's averaging 12 assists per game this season. He will make $2.3 million in this, the final year of his rookie contract.

He will make at least $11 million per year beginning next season.