Rockets cited as potential destination for former All-Star wing

The Houston Rockets, like everyone else, are looking to strengthen their roster, hoping to give them a better chance of transforming into a contender. The Rockets are even willing to part with their third pick, if it allows them to become an established star player.

However, it takes two to tango, and this year’s draft doesn’t excite many front office executives. Not to mention the dearth of legitimate superstars available via trade this summer.

These factors could prove too much for the Rockets to overcome in their quest for a top-15 player. For this reason, many have picked the Rockets for a high-profile contributor who may not quite check the box of a superstar, like Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, who has been mentioned as a hypothetical trade candidate for the Rockets.

Another option could be a player who was once a star but is no longer at that point in his career.

For example, Gordon Hayward, who was listed as a potential match for the Rockets in free agency this summer by Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge.

“While the Rockets are likely to be aggressive in the trade market, they could also make a win-now move in free agency if they wanted to. A potential target that could align with recent moves made by the Rockets during the last two seasons are Gordon Hayward.

Hayward could try to get to a place where he will naturally play a big role.

Even though the Rockets don’t seem like a top option for Hayward, a nice contract offer and role could appease him. Hayward could very well be the next realistic veteran free agent Houston could consider next. »

At 34 years old, Hayward certainly wouldn’t be the missing piece for the Rockets, as he’s well past his prime, but he’s certainly still capable of playing high-level minutes in the right situation. Hayward began the 2023-24 season as a member of the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 46.8% from the field and 36.1% from three at 25 matches.

He was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder near the trade deadline and struggled to earn playing time, en route to just 17.2 minutes in 26 games. He posted averages of 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, two assists, 45.3 percent from the field and 51.7 percent from long range (albeit on an incredibly low volume of 1.1 attempts). ).

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