Rondo on trade to Mavericks: 'I want another parade'

One of the biggest talking points regarding Rajon Rondo's trade from Boston to Dallas is his impending free agency, and whether the Mavericks will be able to re-sign the former All-Star.

As expected, both Rondo and Mavs owner Mark Cuban said all of the right things at Friday's introductory press conference.

"Obviously, we wouldn't give up picks if we didn't think it was long term," Cuban said. ''We're past the days of rent-a-player. We want him to be here for a long time and we want to earn his desire to stay here," Cuban added.

Rondo began by expressing his excitement about starting a new chapter with the Mavericks.

Rondo sounded open to the idea of being a long-term Maverick himself, saying that he's optimistic about the situation. He also expressed his confidence in the Mavs' chances of contending this season.

"To be a contender right away, there's a goal that you have in mind and I'm dying to get a ring again," he said. "I want another parade," said Rondo, who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008.

Rondo did remind reporters, however, that he didn't necessarily hand-pick the Mavericks as a free agent would (although he would likely never divulge if he did).

Rondo is expected to be in the Mavericks' lineup for Saturday's Southwest Division clash with the rival San Antonio Spurs.