The Rockets cut ties with Kevin Porter Jr. by agreeing to trade the troubled guard and two future second-round picks to the Thunder for injured guard Victor Oladipo and big man Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
However, the Rockets may not be through making deals before next week’s regular season opener, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports. They may look to move Oladipo, combined with other second-round picks, to upgrade their roster.
Houston has held trade discussions with the Pistons regarding veteran guard Alec Burks, who has an expiring $10,489,600 contract. Fischer notes that his contract nearly matches Oladipo’s $9.5MM expiring salary.
It’s not clear if the Pistons would be interested a trade for Oladipo, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, and some type of sweetener.
The Pistons have other options at guard beyond franchise player Cade Cunningham. New head coach Monty Williams is mulling whether to start lottery pick Ausar Thompson and bring Jaden Ivey off the bench. Detroit also traded for Monte Morris and Joe Harris this offseason, with rookie Marcus Sasser and Killian Hayes also battling for playing time.
Houston has also contacted the Jazz regarding Talen Horton-Tucker. Tucker has an $11.02MM expiring contract and his role with Utah is uncertain, due to the strong play of Kris Dunn and rookie Keyonte George.
The Rockets have some interest in Malcolm Brogdon as well, although the Trail Blazers and Rockets have not held significant discussions. Portland has indicated that it wants to hold onto Brogdon, who was acquired from Boston in the Jrue Holiday deal. Houston also wouldn’t be able to aggregate Oladipo’s salary with another player for two months after finalizing its trade with Oklahoma City. Brogdon is earning $22.5MM.
Fischer also delivered some other interesting tidbits in his story:
- Prior to the Thunder’s trade with the Rockets, veteran forward Davis Bertāns‘ name was passing through the rumor mill. The Thunder had a roster logjam prior to the deal and still needs to clear another spot, but Bertans is safe. Not only could his perimeter shooting help the Thunder, his $16MM salary for 2024/25 is only guaranteed for $5MM. That could make him a valuable trade piece approaching February’s trade deadline.
- The Rockets held conversations with several other teams regarding Porter that would have required them to throw in more second-rounders to get him off their roster. Oklahoma City had planned to waive Oladipo if it couldn’t find a trade for him.
- Few rival executives anticipate that the Pacers’ Buddy Hield will be traded prior to the season. The Pacers had looked at potential deals involving Hield after contract extension talks stalled, but it sounds like there’s no traction toward a move.
Brogdon will cost Eason or Whitmore… dealers choice…
Not even close. Rockets laughing off the phone line.
Weren’t they trying to get away from the no def / iso ball types ?
Tht is a poster child here , cmon hou
Jazz like tht. Only 22 with many years experience and has been adjusting to the jazz system quickly.
Also, the jazz like their log jam and depth with their front and back court. Coach Hardy has them all playing team ball and for new contracts or extensions. Some just happy to play.
Tht is a keeper
Coach Hardy has said that they won’t likely know their minutes rotation until closer to 20 games in.
So far the Jazz have been using a pretty wide net of minutes across most of the team it’s helped narrow it down but not the different roster combinations that work best yet. They have a bunch of new faces again this year so it’ll take more time to figure out.
Hardy also did say that the lineups could even then change based on matchups. That’s one of my favorite things about coach Hardy. He learns his players’ strengths and isn’t afraid to bench guys for a more favorable matchup in-game.
Rockets have a starting side of
FVV Jalen Green DBrooks Jabari and Sengun.
After that Amen Thompson is a very good prospect that needs development. Tari Eason is solid. Cam Whitmore has huge potential aswell.
Then there’s a solid mix of vets like Jeff Green, Reggie Bullock and Jock Landale.
That’s already 11 players, so targeting these two kinda guys really doesn’t do much for them.
Considering you’re still rebuilding I wouldn’t make any unnecessary moves. You’ve got vets in that’ll help the development and improve the results. Your building a decent culture and getting rid of the right guys, just stay as you are unless something to good to refuse comes your way.
Curious why Jeff Green left the championship Nuggets? Was he not offered a contract? Or do you think he just loves a new city every year?
He has to be close to setting the record for playing for the most teams, right?
Money talks
pistons do NOT want oladipo no thank you
The guy seems like he’s been constantly injured the last 2-3 years. Surprised he’s still on a roster.