Houston Rockets Potential Trade Partners

Nov 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Jazz guard

(10) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers center

(28) and forward

(5) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Utah 97-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

Nobody had a worse offseason than the Indiana Pacers and most of it was not even their fault.  After falling apart on offense at the end of last season and in the playoffs, the Pacers lost their best player Paul George during the televised USA basketball scrimmage for the season in a horrific accident and a broken leg.  Then to make matters worse the Pacers lost swingman Lance Stephenson in free agency.

They replaced George and Stephenson with veterans Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles.  However, a team that struggled to score last year and lost their top 2 wing players, simply can’t recover from that easily.

As a result the Pacers have fallen and stand at 5-7 and have largely not looked like a playoff team.  The NBA doesn’t like to talk about tanking but if ever there was a decent team that should tank for one year it’s the Pacers, because by all accounts they will get their best player, Paul George back healthy next year.

In the meantime, it would not surprise anyone if they look to move Roy Hibbert or David West, or both.  There is no way the Rockets will have interest in Hibbert as he is due $14 million this year, has a $15M player option next year which he should keep, AND a 15% trade kicker.  That is way too much money for the Rockets taste to be a backup for Howard.

David West on the other hand could interest the Rockets.  West, the 34-year old rock solid power forward with a solid post game and decent mid-range shot, would bring a veteran toughness and presence to the Rockets and has a good deal of playoff experience.

West’s contract calls for $12 this year and $12.6 million next year on a player’s option.  At 34-years old it’s doubtful he’s looking play much longer so West passing on the $12.6 in 2015-16, is not likely.  That could be cost prohibitive for the Rockets, not wanting to tie up cap space for next season but on the other hand if it’s best deal and they can add West and perhaps another depth piece or two, it’s something the Rockets could consider.

Other potential players from the Pacers would be Ian Mahinmi, a rim-protecting defensive center that is priced right as a backup center for $4 million per year for this year and next. Lavoy Allen is also player on a veteran minimum contract that could provide some front court depth.

Chris Copeland is wing player that could interest the Rockets if a package move was made with the Pacers.  Copeland in the last year of his current contract and will be a restricted free agent in the off-season. Copeland is a 3-point shooting forward that would also add depth to the bench.

The Pacers should be very interested in the Pelicans pick that the Rockets own as it could give them 2 lottery picks and allow them to trade up for a significant player or add 2 quality young players to a roster going forward with Paul George returning.

What the Pacers would have to offer, would not carry the star appeal of what other teams may have available but a deal centered around David West, with another depth piece or two, could be all that the Rockets need, at least for the current season.