A potential deal by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline for the likes of Minnesota forward Robert Covington isn’t the only item on the agenda of Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey this week.
According to The Athletic‘s Kelly Iko, the Rockets are also monitoring the upcoming buyout market, with Cleveland big man Tristan Thompson and Charlotte forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist among their targets.
Assuming the Rockets trade Capela and aren’t able to land a serviceable replacement center over the next 72 hours, Tristan Thompson is someone they’d like to acquire in a buyout. Thompson’s skillset is very similar to what Capela brings to the table, and Thompson has championship experience. …
Another name to monitor in the assumption he gets a buyout is Charlotte’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist — Houston has liked him for some time. His three-point shot is still horrendous (.294), although his last four games has seen an uptick (.429 at home).
Answering all of your Capela questions, plus notes on MKG, Tristan Thompson, and more. https://t.co/QBRqEXfzeA
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) February 4, 2020
Both players are in the final year of their respective contracts.
The Rockets are reportedly seeking a wing player and replacement center if they trade Clint Capela, but it remains to be seen if they could get both in the same transaction. If they are not able to, the buyout market could be a plausible solution to the other need.
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Rockets reportedly offered Clint Capela to Nets for Prince, Allen https://t.co/3mK4C0JUA2
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) February 4, 2020
Most buyouts do not occur until after the NBA’s annual trade deadline, since teams would prefer to trade those players and receive value in return for them, if at all possible.
However, once the deadline passes, many rebuilding teams — which Cleveland (13-38) and Charlotte (16-34) definitely are — will engage in buyout talks with veterans on expiring contracts. It’s usually a means of doing a favor to the player and/or his agent by letting the player enter free agency and join a team better positioned to win that season.
Because the trade deadline has passed and the player is on an expiring contract, it’s possible (if not likely) that the player could leave the team for no compensation in summer free agency — which means there’s not much downside to his team to let him go now.
If anything, some rebuilding teams might even see a further incentive for a buyout, since sending away a veteran could open up more playing time for younger players, earn goodwill with influential agents, and perhaps also give the team better odds at a higher pick in the upcoming NBA Draft (by losing more games, thanks to the veteran not playing).
Now 28 years old, the 6-foot-9 Thompson is averaging 11.9 points (50.8% shooting) and 10.4 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game with the Cavs this season. He could potentially replace some of the rebounding void if Houston deals Capela, who ranks fourth in the NBA with 13.8 rebounds per game. Thompson was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.
#Rockets trade deadline mega mailbag: Will Clint Capela be a Rocket past Thursday?
A TON of insight on Houston’s plans.
I’ve heard the same as @KellyIkoNBA reported here. Keep an eye on Tristan Thompson. https://t.co/inu1y4a0Bc
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) February 4, 2020
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Kidd-Gilchrist is best known for his wing defense. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft is averaging 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game with the Hornets.
The NBA’s 2019-20 trade deadline arrives at 2 p.m. Central time on Thursday, and buyout negotiations around the league with veterans who are not dealt should begin shortly thereafter.
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