The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to acquire Los Angeles Lakers goaltender Rajon Rondo, and a deal is expected as early as Friday, sources told ESPN.

The parties are working on the terms of a deal, but the Cavaliers must create a place to make room for Rondo. The Cavaliers could include a minimum contract player in the deal with Los Angeles, or forgo a player and complete the trade using a second-round pick or cash.

The Lakers do not have to take the corresponding salary back into the deal because Rondo has a minimum contract and could take over an unsecured deal they could forgo. The deal should open up a place for the Lakers.

Rondo has been in COVID protocols since Sunday and will need to clear before joining the Cavaliers.

Cleveland is moving quickly to find a veteran playmaker to replace to help replace Ricky Rubio, who was lost for the season with an ACL tear in his left knee. Cleveland has been one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season – 20-14 and in fifth place in the East.

Rubio has had a huge share of the Cavaliers’ success this season, and while Rondo hasn’t played nearly at this level, the Cavaliers are hoping he can contribute as a playmaker in a resurgent Cavaliers team. The Cavaliers also lost point guard Collin Sexton to a season-ending knee injury.

Rondo, 35, averages 3.1 points and 3.7 assists in 16 minutes per game for the Lakers this season. This is Rondo’s 16th NBA season, which includes two championships and four All-Star appearances.