The Houston Rockets were seemingly going to start the 2019-20 NBA season with essentially the same roster that they’ve had over the last few years, but they ended up trading Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook last week, and now the Rockets are looking like a whole new basketball team.
And according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Houston isn’t exactly done building out their roster. The Golden State Warriors traded away forward Andre Iguodala to Memphis for Julian Washburn and cap relief, and the Rockets are among two teams that are seriously looking into making a move for the former Finals MVP.
“The two teams strongly pursuing Iguodala still are the Rockets and Clippers, I’m told, but both teams seem to be at a standstill. Rockets do not want to go into the luxury tax and the Clippers are unwilling to part with Mo Harkless.”
Iguodala is an ultimate team player, and in stretches, can be one of the NBA’s best defensive players. During the 2018-19 regular season, this year’s Finals MVP struggled to score on Iguodala more than anyone else in the NBA.
If nothing else, the Rockets can use another defensive wing in a loaded Western conference to take on defensive assignments like Leonard, LeBron James, Steph Curry and more.
The only thing holding the Rockets up at the moment is their desire to stay under the luxury tax. However, if the Grizzlies aren’t able to find a trade partner, Iguodala could be released by the team, effectively making him a free agent available to sign for the minimum.
