The Houston Rockets may or may not be looking to dip their toes into the mid-season trade pool as the team continues to get linked to potential moves. With consistency an issue and frustration mounting, the Rockets are trying to figure out a way to shake up the roster without giving up too much in the process. One thing they are discovering is that there is very little interest in most of the assets they have on the roster.
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, there is almost no trade interest in Ty Lawson at this point in the season. The Rockets took a risk bringing Lawson on prior to the season and so far it is not paying off like they had hoped. The point guard is shooting just 32.9 percent while averaging 5.9 points per game off the bench. He has not developed chemistry with James Harden like expected and now the Rockets are trying to figure out what to do with him. According to Berger, the team might simply have to hold on to him with trade interest slim.
The Rockets have been linked to trade deals mainly surrounding Markieff Morris who is reportedly available with the Phoenix Suns. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Rockets are a prime landing spot, but the Suns have no interest in taking on Lawson who is set to make $12.4 million this season. The best option the Rockets have is to give up Terrence Jones, something they are reluctant to do according to the Houston Chronicle.
Interest is high in Jones as a young forward, but the Rockets are torn knowing he is someone the franchise can build on. Of course teams would be willing to give up a lot from Dwight Howard, but the Chronicle reports the center is going nowhere despite the reports that he is unhappy and looking for a change. Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops.com originally reported that Howard was seeking a trade from the Rockets. The only way that might happen is if general manager Daryl Morey feels he has no chance of retaining Howard in free agency. Even then he still might not move the center. If the Rockets are going to be contenders in the West, they need Howard.
For now, the Rockets will stay put. The trading period only just begun and teams have two months to decide if they are going to commit to deals. It is hard to see the market for Lawson heating up during that time, but Jones could be even more valuable with the more time he gets on the court.
