NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets’ top target is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
NBA Trade Rumors: The Houston Rockets would love to acquire Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Lakers, but it likely won’t be easy
If the Houston Rockets had it their way, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be on the team soon. However, it won’t be that easy to land the current Los Angeles Laker.
According to a report from Marc Stein, of the New York Times, KCP is at the top of the Rockets’ wishlist as they glance at the landscape of the trade block. The team is in the market to upgrade their roster, especially after failing to fill the void that Trevor Ariza left during the summer, and KCP checks all the boxes for the team.
"[via New York Times]"
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"As reported earlier this month, Houston has expressed exploratory interest in Cleveland’s J.R. Smith, who has been sent home by the Cavaliers as they try to find a new home for him via trade. But the Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is said to be the Rockets’ top target in their search for help on the wing, with Smith somewhere further down the list."
He’s a capable defender, can shoot the 3-point ball and doesn’t necessarily need the ball in his hands to be effective. He’s the perfect player to stick next to James Harden and Chris Paul.
However, the fact that KCP is on the Lakers makes this entire complex all that more difficult. Los Angeles is in direct competition with the Rockets and it’s not usual for two teams vying for the same place (behind the Golden State Warriors) to do business with each other – especially if it makes one worse, or thinner, while making the other party better.
Or if the Rockets did manage to land KCP, you’d think that it would cost them a bit more. I’m not really sure what Houston has that could appease the Lakers in that way, but perhaps they could get Houston to take on another contract, but that’s unlikely since the Rockets don’t have much financial flexibility on their part.
A third party would have to be involved, you’d think. Still, KCP landing in Houston, from LA, would be one of the more surprising (mid-level) in-season moves in recent memory. That doesn’t mean the Rockets can’t hope for the best, though.
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There’s no question that Houston needs an upgrade. I’m just not sure it’s going to come in the way of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.