The Boston Celtics have re-signed guard Rajon Rondo to a 5-year, $55 million contract extension, says Rondo’s agent Bill Duffy. The contract is similar to that of San Antonio guard Tony Parker despite Rondo only averaging around 12 points per game last season. But, Rondo’s explosion in last season’s playoffs boosted his worth significantly. In the 2008-’09 playoffs, he averaged close to a triple-double with 16.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. Rondo’s extension could have an effect on Memphis Grizzlies guard Rudy Gay, who has been in talks with the Grizzlies about an extension, looking for around $50 million. Also, by signing the extension, Rondo crossed his name off a hefty list of players who could be free agents after this season ends. Here is a list of major star free agents and players who can opt out of their current contract. Free Agents: Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen San Antonio Spurs forward Manu Ginobili Los Angeles Clippers center Marcus Camby Houston Rockets guard Tracey McGrady Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Jackson Toronto Raptors center Jermaine O’Neal Detroit Pistons guard Rip Hamilton Players who can opt out and their current contract worth: Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (owed $17.7 million in 2011) Pheonix Suns forward Amare Stoudamire (owed $17.7 million) Cleveland Cavs guard LeBron James (owed $17.2 million) Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade ($17 million) Toronto Raptors center Chris Bosh ($17.1 million) Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Noritz ($21.5 million) OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK (THE BIZ OF FOOTBALL) DeMaurice Smith and Roger Goodell to Testify Regarding "Star Caps" Case Buccaneers Fire Back After Report That Team May Be Up For Sale Santa Clara Co. Council Vote Allows for Exemption for Competitive Bidding on 49ers Stadium (THE BIZ OF HOCKEY) Panel Installs Mike Ouellet As Acting Executive Director of NHLPA Ian Penny Steps Down as Interim Exec. Director of NHLPA NBCU & VERSUS: An Alternative to ESPN? Caps, Flyers Game Pushes VERSUS Ratings to Highest Point Since '05 Moyes Agrees to Sell Bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes to NHL (THE BIZ OF BASEBALL) Game 4 of World Series Seen by 22.8 Million Viewers An Interview with MLB Network's Victor Rojas LWIB: How Has MLB Weathered The Recession? World Series Viewership Remains Strong, Up 57% From '08 Inside the World Series Multi-Year Contracts Ricketts Family Formally Introduced as New Owners of Chicago Cubs Albert Pujols Named "Player of the Year" by Peers Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter Follow The Biz of Basketball on Twitter Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook