The Houston Rockets took a chance when they signed Ty Lawson heading into the new year with the hope that he could take some of the playmaking pressure off James Harden. That has yet to work out for the Rockets. Lawson lost his starting spot to Patrick Beverley and now he is failing to make an impact off the bench. With Lawson now making public claims of being unhappy, will the Rockets prioritize a trade of the point guard?
Lawson made headlines when he posted a picture of himself on Instagram with the caption, "Let a dude ball out." Not long after, the picture had disappeared. According to Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, the Rockets were not thrilled about the photo and had Lawson remove it while sources were quick to say the point guard is not playing because of an ankle injury and not because he is unhappy with his role. At the moment, Lawson is averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 assists coming off the bench after losing his starting spot. He has been dealing with an ankle injury with coach JB Bickerstaff simply saying "we'll see" when asked if Lawson was going to play.
Watkins along with ESPN's Marc Stein reports that Lawson's representatives were planning on seeking a trade of their client. Originally, the Rockets made it clear they planned on retaining Lawson, but now that might not be the case. With the Rockets lacking consistency and Lawson being a part of the problem, the point guard could be on the move come the deadline.
According Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the trade market for Lawson is slim, but interest could grow closer to the deadline depending on what the market looks like. Brandon Jennings was thought to be the top name available, but according to the Detroit Free Press, the Pistons are not ready to sell on the point guard just yet as he continues to improve and play well since returning from injury. That means Lawson and potentially Jamal Crawford would be the best available and teams could take a serious look.
Several teams have been linked to backcourt help. The Phoenix Suns immediately come into question because they lost Eric Bledsoe for the season and they have a great asset in Markieff Morris. According to Stein, the Rockets like the idea of acquiring Morris. Offering up Lawson in a trade could get the move made. The New York Knicks have also been eyeing backcourt help. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks want to take pressure off Carmelo Anthony and were hoping Jennings would be made available. If the Pistons deny the deal, Lawson could be an option.
The Rockets have yet to commit to the idea of trading Lawson, but if the point guard continues to struggle and make claims of being unhappy, they could have no other choice. Fans should expect the storyline around Lawson to heat up closer to the deadline.
UPDATE: ESPN reports Ty Lawson has been suspended for three games following a DUI in July
