Houston Rockets: Team needs to consider Brook Lopez if bought out

The Houston Rockets are as deep as one could possibly allude to with the team chugging along whenever guys get hurt. But is there a way that we can improve this team? Always and I think Brook Lopez would be a nice add if he’s bought out. Take a look as to why.

The Houston Rockets are in a good situation amid this year’s deadline. Every position on this team is spoken for in terms of the depth of this current roster. Making a move would only hurt the chemistry that has been build over the past few months to ensure of this team’s success.

It was clearly evident in last night’s 120-88 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers where the team was clicking on all cylinders and they demonstrated their best defensive effort certainly within the past few months. They didn’t relent throughout the way and it’s great to know this team still has what it takes when defensive prowess is most needed.

But with team currently carrying 14 players on the roster, there’s one spot that’s open and Daryl Morey has intentionally left that open, depending on the movement before the trade deadline this Thursday, Feb. 8.

I think it would be prudent to take a serious look at big man Brook Lopez as a rental for this season so that he could put the team over the top to ensure they have the parts necessary to win an NBA championship. We won’t need him to score but his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities could be used mightily as this team starts to begin its stretch run within the next few months.

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Lopez has become increasingly livid with his situation with the Los Angeles Lakers as he minutes continue to decrease and as he’s posting career-lows in his averages per game in vital stats. Although he has not made it clear that he’ll seek a buyout or if the Lakers will allow his release, it’s important the Houston Rockets keep an eye on him after the trade deadline.

I think the fact that Lopez has added a three-point shot to his repertoire keeps him immensely valuable to many teams, especially the Houston Rockets.

With the Houston Rockets having $116 million committed to salary expenses — $3 million away from the luxury tax line — making a trade for him is not feasible, not only because of his massive contract but especially since it’s his first season with the Lakers. Lopez is in the final year of his pact, to which he will earn $22.6 million for this season before becoming a free agent this summer.

This is why I see Lopez as a rental for the Rockets — just for this last bit of stretch to the season as well as the playoffs — and he will be just what would be needed to push the team over the top. The team won’t have the much to offer him in terms of a fat paycheck but the possibility of him earning a ring for the first time in his career exists and could be appealing for him.

Next: How Andrew Bogut would be a nice pickup

We’ll have to see.

Lopez, 29, is averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists along with 43.9 percent shooting from the field and 32.2 percent from three through 43 games — 41 starts — this season.

Go Rockets.

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