The NBA trade season is here and with the deadline just a few weeks away, talks and rumors are only heating up.
The latest involves a potential three-way trade between the Kings, Wolves, and Rockets that could help each team take a step forward in the West. The deal would see the Rockets receive Covington, Dedmon, and Graham, the Kings receive Capela, Nene, and Thabo Sefolosha and the Timberwolves would get Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danuel House, Harry Giles, and a 2020 first-round pick.
(via Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report)
Since teams aren’t taking Westbrook’s money off the Rockets’ hands, the only options for making a mega-move involve trading either Clint Capela or P.J. Tucker. Here, Houston decides Capela’s interior presence and above-the-rim play are more expendable than Tucker’s defensive versatility and shot-making.
The Kings, meanwhile, could decide they won’t cover the cost of Bogdan Bogdanovic’s restricted free agency, so they’d instead pounce on this chance to add a 25-year-old building block in Capela. If Sacramento sees Marvin Bagley III managing the 4, the Kings would have their frontcourt of the future, plus an electric backup as long as they can keep Richaun Holmes around.
Bogdanovic’s comfort and skill on the ball would scratch nagging itches for Minnesota, which has enough funds to cover his restricted free agency. Danuel House Jr. is a younger and cheaper replacement for Covington. Harry Giles III would be the latest young big to slot alongside or behind Karl-Anthony Towns. The pick probably wouldn’t be great, but it would be a first-rounder nonetheless.
With Covington and Dedmon, the Rockets would get some much-needed front-court shooting depth for a player in Capela who has never quite fit the mold.
The Kings would get a paint-protecting big man in Capela, who would be a great fit next to Hield, Fox, and Barnes.
Of course, with Bogy and Giles, the Wolves would get some help and fire-power for Towns, who is on an island out there in Minnesota.
With the desire and assets to make progress in the loaded West, you can expect all three clubs to be active this trade season. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.
