The Rockets are interested in dealing for the Hawks’ Kent Bazemore, according to Kelly Iko of RocketsWire.
While the addition of Carmelo Anthony after he clears waivers seems like a foregone conclusion, the Rockets are in the market for a defensive-minded wing. Bazemore fits that bill but Houston would have come up with a package that would interest the Hawks.
Presumably, the Rockets would deal Ryan Anderson’s contract to make the numbers match up, but they’d have to attach a draft pick and/or young player to entice Atlanta’s front office. Anderson has two years and $41.7MM left on his deal with no options; Bazemore has two years and $37.3MM left on his contract but holds a player option for the final year.
A package of Anderson, Chinanu Onuaku and a 2019 first-rounder would be feasible financially but Atlanta doesn’t view Onuaku as a ‘move-the-needle’ player, according to Iko.
Bazemore averaged 12.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.5 SPG in 65 starts with Atlanta last season.
The Pelicans are also looking at Bazemore, according to Iko, but Atlanta doesn’t want Solomon Hill as part of the deal.
Anderson for Bazemore works straight-up on both ESPN and Real GM. Attach a couple picks and go from there, not sure why Onuaku would be involved or even mentioned for that matter, if Atlanta doesn’t want him anyway.
Because Bazemore is actually a good player and Anderson isn’t? Atlanta would have to agree, is why they call it a “trade”. Houston has like 6 good players and that’s it. No draft assets worth talking about (they’ll all be very low picks). Houston’s dreaming here.
I realize that, but Rockets don’t have any good young players except potentially Melton. So Attaching a 2022 First rounder and another 2nd or something needs to be the deal is what I was saying.
I wonder if Atlanta would prefer Hartenstein over Onuaku. He can’t be traded for a few weeks, but it’s another possibility.
Houston would do very well if they can swap Anderson for Bazemore, but definitely they have to sweeten the deal for Atlanta, maybe first 19, 2nd 20 & first 21, those 3 picks should do it. As they are bottom of first/second rounds.
Clearly overvaluing Bazemore. They messed up giving him that money to begin with. If you can get a 1st for him, do it.
Bingo.
I agree, if Atl can snag a first for Bazemore, kudos to them. Why don’t the Rockets just sign Nwaba?
Good thought. Both the trade and the Nwaba signing would be savvy. The money they save after dealing Anderson they could sign Nwaba, surprised he hasn’t found a roster yet.
anderson and a lottery protected #1 would be good enough its not like anyone is lining up to take on that balance on bazemores contract.