Though many around the NBA found Houston’s trade return for Victor Oladipo underwhelming, Rockets GM Rafael Stone defended his deal with Miami in Monday’s post-deadline press conference.
“We had organizationally made a decision that the Victor fit… wasn’t a good one,” he said. “So, at that point, what do you do? Then, it became make a deal that has some upside, and move on to the next stage.”
“We really like the guys in the deal,” Stone said. “Kelly [Olynyk] and Avery [Bradley] are both guys we’ve liked for several years. And then, the opening up a spot for the current players on our roster, playing time opportunities, particularly for Kevin [Porter Jr.], was important.”
Stone pointed out that the Rockets have an affordable team option on Bradley’s contract for the 2021-22 season, and they will have Bird rights to help retain Olynyk beyond this year, if they desire.
Also from the Oladipo deal, Stone believes the pick-swap right in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft — which could allow Houston to move up from Brooklyn’s pick, to that of Miami — could be of significance.
The complete media availability with Stone can be viewed below.
Stone: "We got a swap out of Miami that we think could be material."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 29, 2021
