The Rockets' 4-for-1 move is the first step, and the plan to clear the salary space is unfolding
The Rockets signed Grizzlies forward Steven Adams with Oladipo, plus three second-round options. It seems like a mutually beneficial deal, with the Rockets getting a new center and the Grizzlies getting an expired contract plus three second-round picks, but in reality, the Rockets can earn even more, and as long as Adams can get back healthy next season, he can officially return. It's a good deal, as Adams will be officially recognized next season when he is healthy.
In addition, the Rockets' 4-for-1 swap may just be an attempt before the end of the season, and the Rockets may have other options. Although the Rockets' pursuit of Bridges was unsuccessful, the Rockets' top brass did not give up, they wanted to get more people, Grimes, Brogdon, Harrison Barnes, are all objects to watch, but the Rockets must come up with enough **.
According to Salman Ali, a Rockets correspondent, the Rockets will sell their backup forward Joe Crandle and backup power forward Jeff Green along with Jaeshawn Tate before the transfer deadline as a way to maintain the Rockets' salary elasticity, as the Rockets have traded Oladipo for 9.45 million and Adams for 12.6 million. You know, the Rockets exchanged $9.45 million for Oladipo and $12.6 million for Adams, and the wage gap between the two has exceeded $3 million, and if these contracts are disposed of, then their wages will become very loose, and maybe they will sign with a few other people before the transfer is over to make up for their shortcomings.
If there is a chance, the Rockets will have to sign a forward on a one-year short-term contract, because Adams is injured this season, and the Rockets urgently need a backup forward in case of emergency, and with him, the Rockets will be the best choice.
First of all, Lawndale, as an alternate center, didn't get into the Rockets' cycle for a long time, and although Lawndale got some playing opportunities when Smith was out, his play was mediocre. Jeff Green has had a great start to the season, but in recent games, whether as a starter or on the bench, his presence has been poor, and at 37 years old, he hasn't been at his best due to his age.
For Tate, while he is still the Rockets' best three-guard, Whitmore's prowess makes it difficult for Tate to take his place in the Rockets' cycle, and the last time the Rockets played just seven minutes against the Pelicans, Tate was almost kicked off the bench after only seven minutes. So, as long as these 3 $8 million big men are given a chance, they have enough salaries and enough flexibility, then the Rockets can completely abandon them.