Multiple league sources expect Houston Rockets guard Sterling Brown to be a trade target of other NBA teams leading up to the March 25 deadline, according to Monday’s report by Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
Long known for his wing defense, the 26-year-old is averaging 7.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game this season, and he’s shooting a career-best 40.2% on 3-pointers. The Rockets signed Brown to a one-year minimum contract before the 2020-21 season, which should make him financially attainable for a number of contenders.
Brown has earned respect for years as a strong yet agile perimeter defender, but an inconsistent 3-point shot kept his minutes spotty over his initial three NBA seasons in Milwaukee. However, his strong showing as a shooter in Houston could make Brown a desired “3&D” wing.
New NBA power rankings at the halfway point: https://t.co/G5238qvBXC
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 8, 2021
From the Rockets’ perspective, the incentive to trade Brown is clear. As with other veterans on expiring contracts, such as Victor Oladipo and PJ Tucker, there’s a risk of losing Brown for no compensation in offseason free agency. Considering that Houston (11-23) is on a 13-game losing streak with minimal playoff hopes, there’s limited reason to take that risk if some sort of positive longer-term asset (i.e. a draft pick) is available.
Moreover, in contrast to Oladipo and Tucker, the Rockets would not have any form of Bird rights on Brown, since he’s only on a one-year contract. Thus, even if Houston wants to have Brown in future seasons, the financial package they could offer him is the same — regardless of whether he plays out the 2020-21 season in Houston, or somewhere else.
Thus, it would make a lot of sense for general manager Rafael Stone to explore that market before the March 25 deadline.
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