Danny Ainge said he would discuss a contract extension this fall with Rajon Rondo, but the point guard reported that talks hadn?t begun.

Though he was mostly mum on the issue, Rondo said he wasn?t optimistic about signing a contract extension in the near future. If the sides don?t agree to an extension by Oct. 31, Rondo will become a restricted free agent next summer.

?Of course, I?m trying to work on improving my outside shot, ballhandling and my court awareness,? Rondo said. ?The biggest thing for me probably is defense - getting over the pick-and-rolls on defense. You just have to play ball to get better at that.?