The Houston Rockets know they need to make adjustments if there is a chance they can compete against the likes of the Golden State Warriors come playoff time. The trade deadline could be where the Rockets make an upgrade on the roster, but getting a deal is easier said than done. Interest is reportedly growing around Ty Lawson, but will the Rockets make the move for a trade?
According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing a trade for Lawson, but a deal is unlikely right now. The Bucks have gotten some recent success which has them thinking about the postseason and one small upgrade to help get them over the edge. There is a belief that Lawson could be that upgrade, but talks are too premature to determine real interest. The Bucks are the only team that has really come forward as a serious option for the point guard which might mean the Rockets do not end up getting anything done.
The Rockets might want to trade Lawson, but interest will be hard to come by thanks to his $12.4 million salary and off-the-court issues paired with lackluster stats. According to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle, general manager Daryl Morey is hopeful that Lawson can get back to his high-level of play. If things do not work out, the Rockets can cut Lawson at the end of the season easily since he waived his final year of guaranteed money in his contract.
Right now, the Rockets cannot trade Lawson. Patrick Beverley is currently dealing with an ankle injury. Head coach JB Bickerstaff told ESPN.com that this is a good opportunity for Lawson to get some minutes on the court and try to form chemistry with James Harden. Lawson must step up and improve if he intends on remaining in Houston.
"Just see if we can put a little boot in there and give Ty an opportunity to play extended minutes," Bickerstaff said, via ESPN.com. "See if that helps him, see what the dynamic looks like now with he and James (Harden) on the floor together a little bit more. I think there's a little bit more comfort."
The Rockets have begun to improve and gain some consistency on the court, but it reportedly has not been enough to stop the team from exploring trades. According to Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, the Rockets are still open to trading off names like Terrence Jones, Corey Brewer and Lawson. Those three are their best trade assets unless they decide to really pull the rug out and deal away Dwight Howard. That move is not happening, but the Rockets will continue to explore other options before the deadline to see what a potential return could be.
