The Rockets are among the teams with interest in Paul George if he can’t work out an extension with the Clippers this week, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Even though Houston is considered an unlikely destination for George, it’s an indication that the team is engaged in “big game hunting” ahead of the draft and free agency, Scotto adds.
He also hears that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has been involved in exploratory conversations about dealing the No. 3 pick for a “win-now player upgrade” and possibly moving down in the draft.
For Houston to land George, he would have to exercise his $48.8MM player option for next season and request a trade. The organization has six recent first-round picks on its roster, along with the rights to Brooklyn’s first-rounders over the next three years.
Scotto notes that even if the Rockets don’t acquire George, they have plenty of flexibility for a major move, holding team options on Jeff Green ($8MM) and Jae’Sean Tate ($7.57MM), along with an $8MM non-guaranteed salary for Jock Landale. Houston is expected to hang onto all three of those players through their various option/guarantee deadlines, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required), who also reports that the team is open to re-signing free agent guard Aaron Holiday.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- With Jonas Valanciunas considered likely to leave in free agency, the Pelicans are willing to trade the 21st pick in this year’s draft for center help, sources tell Scotto. Along with New Orleans, NBA executives consider the Grizzlies and Thunder to be possible destinations for Hawks center Clint Capela, Scotto adds. If the Pelicans keep their pick, Scotto sees Baylor center Yves Missi as a potential selection, comparing him to Capela as an athletic big man who should thrive in the pick and roll. Scotto also hears that the organization will target another former head coach for Willie Green’s staff if it loses associate head coach James Borrego.
- The Grizzlies have renewed their interest in Nets backup center Day’Ron Sharpe after holding talks with Brooklyn at the trade deadline, Scotto states. He adds that Memphis considered making an offer for forward Dorian Finney-Smith before the Nets acquired him at the 2023 deadline. In his aggregate mock draft, Scotto suggests the Grizzlies might take Tennessee shooting specialist Dalton Knecht as a potential replacement for Luke Kennard, who has a $14.8MM team option for next season and is considered a possible trade candidate.
- Mavericks star Luka Doncic has joined the Slovenian national team and plans to participate in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament July 2-7 in Greece, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein (Twitter link).
George is very nice to Steve Balmer. He wanted to get some assets for Clippers.
Opt in
Clippers would ask Brooks, Jeff Green, Landale and #3
That’s one way to look at it but essentially that’s the only way he can get paid if he wants to leave. Contenders don’t have cap space to sign him as a free agent.
Philly has cap room to sign him
Yes !! Good call.
IMO
#3 pick has 4 times more value than Jalen Green expiring contract.
Clippers have different #3 selection
Rockets should keep their pick and draft the best available player. They aren’t ready for just a “win now” player.
2 IFs
If Rockets trade #3 and salary filler for George, AND
If Rockets trade Jalen Green and 3 Firsts for a young star,
Rockets can take down Suns and Lakers to make playoffs.
I have Grizzlies and Kings make playoffs too.
Funny how #3 pick or really many first round picks seem to have much value like they used to. But I’m older and refuse evolve. Lol
Sillivan?
I would love to see a more win now attitude with this team. We had enough tank years with Silas.,We built this team up and came close but fell short to being a play in. Time to step up more. Be in top 6 maybe 4 to 6. Need to improve more. After draft and more dump Tate. He barely saw playing time. He is not part of Ime plans. Even if drop down we need someone who can shoot and shoot 3”s. Landale not sure with him. With Stephen Adams and Sengun. I like what gave us late last season with Sengun out. Jeff Green Aaron Holiday liked them. Curious on Bullock. He was not mentioned. But myself do not see George here. Would they try Lopez again. I just hope if move down that we do for something right.
The idea that the Rockets could trade Wednesday’s No. 3 overall pick to Memphis for No. 9 and Marcus Smart — so the Grizzlies can draft Donovan Clingan — is being mentioned with increasing regularity by various league insiders. 34 mins ago – via marcstein.substack.com
I do this …… if I’m Rockets.
Imo long term. I see Ware as a better Center prospect. At worst the same as Clingan. There is still a rotation player at 9.