NBA Trade News: Rockets shopping Ryan Anderson, Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley
The Houston Rockets have reportedly made the trio of Ryan Anderson, Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley available via trade ahead of the offseason. In an effort to pursue max-level free agents starting July 1, the Rockets front office is attempting to unload a few contracts to create cap room.
According to ESPN's Mark Stein, the Rockets plan to pursue the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap and Kyle Lowry when the 2017 NBA Free Agency period begins on July 1.
Entering the 2017-178 season, the Rockets have US$91 million (AU$120 million) committed against a projected salary cap of US$101 million (AU$138 million). They would need to trade Anderson to possibly create a max slot for Paul or Lowry. The Rockets are aggressively looking for a point guard despite James Harden excelling at the role last season, averaging a career-high tally of 11.2 assists per game.
Stein also noted that "The Rockets like all those players (Anderson, Williams and Beverley), but it was also clear in GM Daryl Morey's recent visit (to a media interview) that Houston has big plans" after tweeting the following on Wednesday morning: "Free Agency Scuttle: Houston is making Ryan Anderson/Lou Williams/Patrick Beverley available via trade to create summer spending flexibility."
Paul George trade: Houston Rockets have engaged Indiana
According to The Indy Star, the Rockets have been trying to engage the Indiana Pacers in a potential Paul George trade. The report added that "(the) team’s offers, however, have not intrigued the Pacers enough to progress forward to complete such a trade." The Pacers are reportedly eyeing younger players and draft picks instead of absorbing contracts of Anderson and Williams, who are proven veterans with little upside.
The Houston Rockets, in their first year under coach Mike D'Antoni, registered 55 victories and claimed the third seed in the Western Conference last season. The possible addition of Paul George or another all-star calibre player could turn the Rockets into a legitimate threat to the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
The Rockets will select No. 43 and No. 45 in the second round of Thursday's NBA Draft. They surrendered the No. 28 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the Lou Williams trade in February. Could Houston Rockets trade their key role players before July 1? Stay tuned for the latest NBA Trade News and developments from the forthcoming 2017 NBA Free Agency period.
Free Agency Scuttle: Houston is making Ryan Anderson/Lou Williams/Patrick Beverley available via trade to create summer spending flexibility.