Apparently, the negotiations are still afloat.

According to ESPN The Magazine, a contract extension for the lightening-quick point guard could still be reached before Saturday’s deadline.

Rajon Rondo is hoping that his contract extension with the Celtics soars to $65 million.

Rajon Rondo currently makes $2 million per year playing for the Celtics, which pales in comparison to other starting point guard salaries around the NBA. Though Rondo has had his share of off-court missteps, he definitely deserves a pay raise. He’s been solid for the Celtics, especially during their championship season, and he is considered to be one of the top-performing point guards in the league. To put it in perspective — Brandon Roy, who entered the NBA in 2006 along with Rondo, recently received a five-year, $80 million contract extension. Rondo is currently seeking a $55 million to $65 million extension.

If a deal can’t be reached, Rondo will become a free agent at the end of this season along with the likes of LeBron James, Ray Allen, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

The free agent class of 2010 may be the best yet. Who do you think will be the best free agent on the market?

I’ve got my money on LeBron.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Contract Negotiation For Rondo Not Dead Yet

When I first read this story this morning, I thought it was an interesting idea. Another way to market players, which Major League Baseball does do enough of these days. Instead, MLB likes to focus on the team. However, as I looked over it again, I couldn’t pass this one up. In a story on ESPN The Magazine’s Web site, Justin Heckert has written about some wine he had recently at Turner Field’s 755 Club.

The wine is named after Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine and Brian McCann. Heckert sampled the following wines: Chipper Chardonnay, McCann Merlot and Cabernet Glavignon.

All of the wines are created by Charity Wines and Charity Hop, based in Massachusetts. The company has made other wines in the past, such as Vintage Papi (after David Ortiz) and my favorite (based on the name), Caberknuckle (Tim Wakefield).

All of the proceeds from purchasing these wines will go to a charity chosen by the player, which is a good idea. A bottle of this fine wine costs only $13.99 and can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Kroger, and a few other independent stores.

I can’t wait until other MLB teams pick up on this idea. I can see it now. Come out to the ballpark and taste some “A-Rodonnay” or “Zoom Zoom Merlot” (Joel Zumaya). Set up the patents now.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Wine named after a few Braves’ players