体坛英语新闻：Celtics Guard Rondo extends five-year contract in Boston

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Bill Duffy, the agent of Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, confirmed the Boston Celtics had agreed to a five-year, 55-million-dollar contract extension for Rondo just before the Monday deadline for giving extensions to the 2006 draft, the NBA official website reported on Monday.

    Duffy said he had spoken with Celtics executive Danny Ainge after Boston's victory over New Orleans on Sunday via text message, in which Ainge indicated the team's willingness to take Rondo's request securing him the same financial contents as the league's top point guards.

    "He wanted to speak to Rajon and tell him they were willing to meet our demands," Duffy talked of the text message.

    Rondo demanded a deal similar to San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, who signed a 66-million-dollar extension in 2004 for six years.

    Rondo was the highest profile member of the 2006 draft class that had yet to get an extension. Only six of the 30 first-round picks have gotten new deals taking Rondo into account.

    Rondo, 21st pick in 2006 by the Phoenix Suns, averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season for Celtics, who started strong with a perfect 4-0 opening up the new season.