Rajon Rondo has played well for the Sacramento Kings to begin his tenure with the team and he's connected with DeMarcus Cousins.

"People that know me, know me," Rondo told Yahoo Sports. "I am the way I am. … They know my character. It is what it is. The perception the media gave me, the character of the person they made me, whoever they made me out to be, that's their prerogative. It doesn't affect me at all."

Rondo's reputation across the NBA had taken a hit following his injuries, inability to shoot from the perimeter and his occasionally mercurial personality.

"I like being the underdog," Rondo said.

Rondo allegedly turned down a five-year extension estimated to pay close to $70 million in hopes of landing a maximum contract later, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 18.

The biggest extension offer Rondo could have received, however, was for less than $45 million over three years.

"I don't look at the past at all," Rondo said. "What's for me is what's for me. Everybody always talks about money, money, money. But for me it's all about happiness."

The Kings gave Rondo a one-year, $11 million contract.

"I knew he was going to be available," Divac told Yahoo Sports. "He was my first choice when I went after some free agents. Honestly, we weren't a perfect destination in free agency and that was something we could take advantage of. He works well for us.

"We have things to turn around. I was very honest with him. I knew people were talking. But this is a great opportunity not only for him, but for us. Honestly, we were probably the first ones to approach. Everyone was scared. I wasn't. As a player, I knew what he could do."