In the vigorous "arms race" of this offseason, the Houston Rockets seem to be in a backward position. Their salary space is locked by Harden, Westbrook and Gordon's combined annual salary of more than 100 million. It is very unlikely that they want to achieve strong signings. After Harden and Westbrook made it clear that they wanted to leave the team, Rockets owner Fertita also gave the management a task that the luxury tax should not be triggered next season, and the team still focuses on saving money. The newly appointed general manager Rafael Stone, the stall he took over from the hands of the former general manager Mo, is really a chicken feather, very test his level.
But judging from the operation in recent days, Stone did a good job. His first trade after taking office shocked the entire league. Stone waved his hand and sent away Covington, the most valuable player in the Rockets except Harden, and put the league’s top " The "3D" striker was sent to the opponent Blazers in the same district, in exchange for the old Ariza and two first-round picks. In this regard, the Rockets fans screamed, saying that Stone is a prodigal. Covington, who has an annual salary of only 12 million US dollars and a two-year contract, is sold so cheaply. The team has no hope for the future. Obviously, I want to rebuild.
But in a subsequent follow-up operation, Stone quickly reversed the reputation. St. GM's Ariza from the Trail Blazers, plus the No. 16 pick in the first round of this year's draft, were packaged and sent to the Pistons, who took back a first-round pick for next year from the Pistons, as well as young center Wood. This calculation is equivalent to trading Covington for Wood +2 first-round picks, so it seems that the Rockets have made a profit in this trade. Wood played in 62 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1 assist and 0.9 blocks per game, with a total shooting percentage of 56.7% and a three-point shooting rate of 38.6%, which is already an elite offensive level.
Wood has excellent athletic ability, long stature and rich offensive skills. Many people have watched his game last season, especially the game after Drummond was traded and Wood was righted. They think Wood has become " The potential of the bankrupt version of Anthony Davis. Being able to get Wood in operation, and at the same time gaining two first-round picks in the draft, Stone's level is indeed good. In stark contrast, Mo in the past few seasons has constantly put the Rockets' picks and sent them to other teams, whether it is trading Anderson or Paul, they have overdrawn a lot of future assets. Stone's methods are worth looking forward to.
However, after getting Wood, the Rockets have almost no decent follow-up operations. The only thing worth mentioning should be the signing of Cousins. In addition to that, the Rockets' other signings are such as Sterling Brown, Jessien Tate, Kenny Wutten, Mason Jones, Kenyon Martin Jr. and so on. It seems that it is difficult for the Rockets to have other signings worth looking forward to. This is also understandable. After getting Wood, the Rockets have already penalized the hard salary cap, and there is no room to continue signing, and Fertitta clearly requires that no taxes be paid, which makes Stone face too many restrictions, such as " Dance with shackles".
Fortunately, the Rockets team still has a certain attraction for some of the old players in the team. For example, veteran Gerald Green is very eager to return to the Rockets. In an interview yesterday, Green expressed his desire to play for the Rockets again. He said: "Everyone knows how I feel about this city and how this city feels for me. For me, if I can come back again, I will It will feel the same as it was in 2017." In addition to Green, the Rockets forward Kaboklo, who played for the Rockets last season, is also close to returning to the Rockets and completing a contract extension with the team.
Caboclo was interviewed by the media today. He said that the Rockets have given him a two-year basic salary extension contract. He will accept this contract. The guy thinks this is the Rockets’ trust in him. He feels very much Excited. Caboclo, who has a wingspan of 2.31 meters, is known as the "Brazilian Durant". He has been in rotation for the Grizzlies in the 2018-19 season and has a rising trend. After he came to the Rockets, he was not loved. It's a pity that the newcomer D'Antoni abandoned it. If Caboclo can be played by Silas, it will undoubtedly be a blessing for the Rockets. At that time, we have to thank D'Antoni for resigning, thank youStone's brilliant hands operate.
Today's Rockets have a complete lineup. Harden can consider staying and fighting for another year!
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