Tag: NBA Trade Rumors

Rockets trade Ariza, No. 16 pick to Detroit for future first rounder

Per reports, Houston believes that this deal will allow it to use the larger mid-level exception (worth ~$9.3 million) in free agency.

The reunion between the Houston Rockets and Trevor Ariza — as well as the concept of making a first-round draft choice — was short-lived.

Two days after acquiring Ariza and the No. 16 pick in the 2020 NBA draft for Robert Covington, Houston is sending both to Detroit for a future first-round pick, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Here’s the explanation from Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

The Rockets made the move to be able to go into free agency this week with a full mid-level exception [MLE], worth $9.3 million, rather than the tax-payer mid-level, worth $5.7 million, a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said. The Rockets also preferred a future pick, rather than one this year, in case needed in a trade, he said.

The downside of using the “full” MLE is that it implements a hard salary cap at the luxury tax “apron” level of ~$138.9 million. Without shedding Ariza’s $12.8-million salary, Houston’s team payroll would have almost certainly exceeded the hard cap if using the larger MLE. Thus, Houston would have been forced to use the smaller “taxpayer” MLE.

The Rockets will generate a $12.8-million traded player exception (TPE) in the deal, since Ariza is being absorbed into cap space by Detroit. However, Houston probably can’t use the TPE and the larger MLE this offseason, since using both would likely push them over the hard cap.

Depending on future moves by Rockets GM Rafael Stone that might alter team payroll, that TPE could potentially be used down the line. (The TPE will last until an equivalent point in the 2021 offseason.)

Per James Edwards III of The Athletic, Detroit’s future first-round pick being sent to Houston is top-16 protected for the next four years; top-10 protected in the following two years; and then top-nine protected. If it is not conveyed after seven seasons, it becomes two second-round picks.

For now, Houston continues its streak of not having made a first-round draft selection since 2015 (when the Rockets took Sam Dekker). In drafts since, Houston has often traded its picks for short-term upgrades to bolster the veteran roster around James Harden. Assuming Houston uses the larger MLE, that’s effectively what they are doing here.

In a separate transaction, but potentially related, the Rockets are buying a 2021 second-round pick from the Pistons (via the Lakers) for $4.6 million in cash. A potential motivation of that deal is that it partly compensates the Pistons, financially, for absorbing Ariza’s contract.

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4 realistic trade ideas for the Warriors No. 2 overall pick

To move or not to move. That is the question.

It’s no secret that the Warriors are trying to win a championship next season. And they believe they can really do it.

Why shouldn’t they? Yes, they were absolutely awful last year. But they were without the two greatest shooters of all-time for, pretty much, the entire year. Now with both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson back and healthy, they’re ready to work their way back into the Western Conference’s elite.

So it’s no wonder that they’re open to trading the No. 2 overall pick. They’re looking for a player or players that can help them contribute now — not necessarily two or three years down the line.

If they can find a bridge for the Steph Curry era? Great. If not? They’ll probably try to move this pick.

Here are a few trades that might interest them.

Rockets don’t feel obligated to trade James Harden to Nets, per ESPN

The Rockets are demanding a “proven, young star” as a centerpiece of any Harden trade, along with a massive package of draft picks.

Despite franchise centerpiece James Harden listing the Brooklyn Nets as his preferred trade destination, the Houston Rockets do not feel obligated to send him there, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Instead, with the 31-year-old under contract for at least two more seasons, the Rockets are using that secure status to canvass the entire NBA in search of the best trade package — if they deal him at all.

Per MacMahon: “The Rockets are demanding an especially steep return for Harden, a perennial MVP candidate who has led the NBA in scoring the last three seasons: a proven, young star as a centerpiece along with a massive picks package, according to sources.”

Despite trade requests by both Harden and co-star Russell Westbrook, the Rockets are “willing to get uncomfortable” by keeping them in Houston for the 2020-21 season, according to MacMahon’s report.

Though Westbrook’s contract is nearly identical to that of Harden, Houston understands that Harden — as an MVP finalist in 2020 and an All-NBA First Team member — will command more on the trade market than Westbrook would. However, the Rockets still aren’t willing to move Westbrook without assets such as young talent or first-round draft picks.

Per MacMahon, the Rockets believe that Westbrook could improve his trade value with a healthy start to the 2020-21 season. In that scenario, the 32-year-old would presumably post better results than he did after suffering a quad injury just before the 2020 playoffs.

Training camps for the 2020-21 league year are set to open on Tuesday, Dec. 1. As of Tuesday night, it sounds as if one or both of Houston’s former MVPs could still be reporting to Toyota Center once camp begins.

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Five reasons the Wizards should say no to trading John Wall for Russell Westbrook

Please, just no.

Alright, let’s do this. Full disclosure here: Regrettably, I am a Wizards fan. I have spent 27 years of my life rooting for this mostly terrible franchise and have enjoyed every moment of it.

So when the Wizards found themselves at the center of the NBA’s rumor mill, everything froze for a second.

The Wizards and Rockets have reportedly discussed trading John Wall for Russell Westbrook, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Talks between the two sides have stalled because the Rockets are looking for more assets in the deal, but nonetheless, the call has been made. This is still a possibility.

 

Dollar for dollar, their contracts are pretty much the same.  A straight swap works here.

And, look, let’s be honest. Wall is coming off of a season lost to a torn Achilles. Westbrook just finished another All-NBA season. So, on the surface, this looks like a no-brainer for the Wizards.

But it’s not. They absolutely should not, under any circumstance, do this. Ever. There are a billion reasons why. I got four right here.

Hornets may want Russell Westbrook more if LaMelo Ball isn’t available

Per Marc Stein of The New York Times, Charlotte’s interest in trading for Westbrook could grow if Ball isn’t available to draft at No. 3.

Charlotte’s interest in trading with the Houston Rockets for disgruntled All-Star guard Russell Westbrook might rise significantly if they aren’t able to select rookie guard LaMelo Ball early in Wednesday’s draft.

Here’s what Marc Stein of The New York Times says in his latest newsletter, which was distributed on Tuesday afternoon:

In the Hornets’ case, there is a belief in some corners of the league that their appetite for a Westbrook trade increases significantly if Charlotte does not land LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in Wednesday’s draft. Michael Jordan, Charlotte’s owner, is a known Westbrook admirer. Should the playmaking Ball be drafted before the Hornets’ turn at No. 3, according to the theory, there is a much stronger case to be made for trading for Westbrook in spite of the cost and attendant risk.

Minnesota and Golden State are the two teams slotted to pick in front of Charlotte in the draft. Neither seems to have finalized its choice.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook “has a desire to return to his prior floor-general role” from earlier seasons in Oklahoma City. That could make a destination such as Charlotte realistic, since there isn’t another All-Star guard in place (unlike Houston with James Harden).

Here’s what Charania said about the situation late last week:

Sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple other teams mentioned as a possibility for the one-time league MVP. But in Charlotte, there are movable veteran contracts, as well as the Jordan Brand connection for Westbrook [with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan].

Based on the NBA’s rules for salary matching in trades, Houston could take back approximately $50 million at the high end of a transaction, should they trade Westbrook (who will make over $41 million next season). Those salaries could all come from one team, or it could be spread out, if the trade was expanded to include a third or fourth team.

Charlotte could also absorb part of Westbrook’s large contract into its available cap space, if the Rockets wanted to generate a large traded player exception (TPE) to potentially use elsewhere.

If it was just a two-team deal involving the Rockets and Hornets (player salaries), potential assets in a transaction could include:

Terry Rozier, guard ($18.4 million per year, for two more seasons)
Nicolas Batum, forward ($27.1 million per year, for one season)
Cody Zeller, center ($15.4 million per year, for one season)
Malik Monk, guard ($5.3 million per year, for one season)

The Hornets will also have whatever rookie they select at No. 3 in Wednesday’s draft, but it’s unclear if they would move that type of premium asset for Westbrook — who turned 32 years old last Thursday.

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Shams: Rockets, Wizards discussed Russell Westbrook, John Wall trade

The Rockets and Wizards have discussed a trade involving former All-Star point guards Russell Westbrook and John Wall, per Shams Charania.

The Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards have discussed a trade involving former All-Star point guards Russell Westbrook and John Wall, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

However, Charania says there is “no traction yet” since the Rockets are seeking more assets. Now 30 years old, the 6-foot-4 Wall hasn’t played in the NBA since tearing his Achilles in early 2019.

Wall has played nine seasons in Washington, averaging 19.0 points (43.3% FG) and 9.2 assists in 35.9 minutes per game. The No. 1 overall pick in the NBA’s 2010 draft, Wall has been an All-Star five times.

Wall has nearly an identical contract to Westbrook, with each guard signed for the next two seasons and with a massive player option ($47+ million) for a third season in 2022-23. In addition to leadership qualities, both floor generals are very well regarded around the league for their elite speed, athleticism, and transition play. Westbrook is seen by most as slightly more explosive, while Wall has more range as a shooter.

Besides granting Westbrook’s recent trade request, the potential upside for the Rockets is that Wall is nearly two years younger, and with significantly less mileage in terms of career games played. He’s also shot better than 30% on 3-pointers in each of his last six seasons, whereas Westbrook hasn’t exceeded 30% on treys since his 2016-17 MVP season.

However, there’s also more risk for Houston, since Wall is coming off an Achilles injury and hasn’t proven his form since then. Thus, the Rockets are believed to be wanting more assets to take Wall, per Charania.

Over 12 NBA seasons, Westbrook has averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.1 rebounds in 34.6 minutes per game.

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Report: Rapper Meek Mill trying to lure James Harden to 76ers

“Rapper Meek Mill has a longstanding relationship with Harden and has been trying to convince him to come to Philadelphia,” per Kelly Iko.

If the Houston Rockets opt to trade disgruntled superstar James Harden, it remains to be seen how much (if any) his list of desired destinations will matter. With Harden under contract for at least two more seasons, any number of teams could take the “risk” of acquiring him without a long-term commitment and then attempt to change his mind at a later date.

And even if Harden chose not to stay with his next team beyond 2022, any deal would still probably be worthwhile if it results in a title — as it did for the Toronto Raptors after acquiring Kawhi Leonard in 2018.

Nonetheless, being on the preferred “list” does provide an extra layer of security. So far, Brooklyn with close friend Kevin Durant is reportedly at the top of Harden’s wish list, but some reports have indicated that Philadelphia and former Houston GM Daryl Morey is also in play.

One unique reason could be rapper Meek Mill, who happens to be a good friend of Harden. Per Kelly Iko and David Aldridge of The Athletic:

Philadelphia’s interest in Harden has grown in recent weeks, sources said. Morey’s ascension to the top decision-maker spot on the basketball side as president of basketball operations is an obvious link, given the history Harden and he share, but there’s also the lure of the Eastern Conference. Rapper Meek Mill has a longstanding relationship with Harden and has been trying to convince him to come to Philadelphia, according to a source. Billionaire Michael Rubin, a close friend of Meek’s and co-owner of the 76ers, is also very fond of Harden.

According to Iko and Aldridge, Morey would need to insert either All-Star guard Ben Simmons or All-Star center Joel Embiid into any trade proposal, should the Sixers want to strike a deal for Harden.

If Simmons or Embiid were made available, that could make the 76ers a more appealing trade partner for Houston than the Nets, since Durant and Kyrie Irving aren’t expected to be traded. While Brooklyn could offer a range of young players and future draft compensation, none of those assets would have the upside of a proven All-Star player.

Iko and Aldridge say that the “overwhelming expectation” around the NBA is for the Rockets to trade Harden at some point, but they acknowledge that talks could easily be delayed until 2021 — owing to the lack of immediate contractual pressure on Houston to make a move.

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NBA exec: Jrue Holiday trade helps Rockets’ leverage with James Harden

“That deal certainly helps [Houston’s] case,” an opposing NBA executive said Tuesday, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

The massive return that New Orleans received from Milwaukee in a trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday would seem to help the Houston Rockets in trade talks involving James Harden, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

In the Holiday trade, the Bucks sent Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, three future first-round picks, and two pick swaps to the Pelicans.

If that’s the level of return for a very good (but not elite) guard in Holiday who is in the final year of his contract, just imagine what the Rockets might command for an All-Star and perennial MVP finalist like Harden — who also happens to be under contract for at least two more seasons.

“That deal certainly helps [Houston’s] case,” an opposing executive said Tuesday, according to Begley.

Besides setting a very high bar for any trade negotiations, the Holiday trade might also help the Rockets in scenarios where they keep Harden.

For Harden to be content returning to Houston after making a trade request to Brooklyn or perhaps Philadelphia, the 31-year-old would probably like to see the front office at least attempt to grant his wish.

Given the massive return that New Orleans received for Holiday, it could make it easier for the Rockets to eventually tell Harden’s representatives that while they did explore deals, they have yet to be offered fair market value. Unless that dynamic changes, Houston appears content to keep Harden with the Rockets for at least the 2020-21 season.

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Rockets trade Robert Covington for Trevor Ariza, two first-round picks

Covington is headed to Portland for Ariza, the No. 16 pick in Wednesday’s draft, and a protected first-round pick in 2021.

The Houston Rockets are trading Robert Covington to Portland for veteran forward Trevor Ariza and two first-round draft picks, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The first of the two picks is Portland’s No. 16 overall selection in Wednesday’s 2020 draft. The second is a protected pick in 2021.

Covington, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 11.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 33.0 minutes per game with the Rockets last season. He turns 30 years old next month, and is signed for the next two seasons at approximately $12.5 million per season.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Ariza previously played in Houston during the 2009-10 season and from 2014-15 through 2017-18. He averaged 8.0 points (37.0% on 3-pointers) and 4.6 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game last season with the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers.

Both Covington and Ariza are well regarded for their defense, versatility, and locker-room presence, but Covington is more than five years younger. Thus, Portland had to pay the premium in draft picks.

Ariza’s $12.8-million contract for the 2020-21 season was a team option, but it is being picked up to facilitate the trade for Covington’s salary, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Ariza also has a strong relationship with Rockets star James Harden from their four previous seasons as teammates, and that could potentially be uuseful as Houston attempts to bring Harden back into the fold after a recent trade request.

The Covington-Ariza swap will not be finalized until after Wednesday’s draft, since the Trail Blazers are not allowed to trade first-round draft picks in consecutive years (Stepien rule). They can, however, make the trade after the 2020 selection is officially a player.

If Houston retains the 2020 pick and does not move it in a subsequent deal, it would effectively be the team’s first selection in the draft’s opening round since Sam Dekker in 2015. (Technically, Portland would be announced as making the No. 16 pick, but Houston would make the call.)

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Woj: James Harden declined $50M+ per year extension from Houston

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Harden is focused on a trade to Brooklyn, where he believes he has a better path to a title.

According to a new report, Rockets superstar James Harden recently turned down a contract extension offer that would have made him the first player in NBA history to make more than $50 million in a season.

Harden declined the offer because he desires a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, where he believes he has a better opportunity to win a championship than in Houston, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Including a player option for the 2022-23 season, Harden is currently owed more than $132 million over the next three seasons. The extension offer would have payed him over $102 million for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, when he’ll be 34 and 35 years old, respectively.

However, at least for now, that wasn’t enough to dissuade Harden from his goals of rejoining former teammate Kevin Durant in Brooklyn.

The problem for Harden, however, is that he lacks leverage to force a move there — since his current contract prevents him from reaching free agency until 2022 at the earliest. Confirming other reports, Woj reports that the Rockets and Nets have yet to have any meaningful dialogue.

Now 31 years old, Harden has played eight of his 11 NBA seasons with the Rockets, and he’s made the playoffs in all of them. Over the latter stages of that run, “The Beard” has led the league in scoring in each of the last three seasons (34.3 points per game in 2019-20), and he’s the only NBA player to have been both an MVP finalist and an All-NBA First Team member in each of the last four years. Harden was named MVP in 2018.

Despite the personal accolades, though, he’s still searching for his first NBA title — and time isn’t on his side, at least as far as his prime years. That seems to be pushing the situation to a head. With training camps for the 2020-21 season opening on Tuesday, Dec. 1, both Harden and the Rockets would like to find a resolution sooner rather than later.

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