Houston Rockets: 3 things to love about signing Michael Carter-Williams

By Tevin Williams

Jul 4, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Michael Carter-Williams #10 of the Charlotte Hornets drives towards the basket against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

Michael Carter-Williams #10 of the Charlotte Hornets and /

1. Carter-Williams can be used as a trade piece

Finally, perhaps the best way that Michael Carter-Williams can contribute to the team is as an asset in a trade for a star player. Since Houston signed Carter-Williams as a free agent, they won’t be able to trade him until after Dec 15.

Recently, reports surfaced that Jimmy Butler is ‘fed up’ with his younger teammates in Minnesota and that he doesn’t plan on signing an extension with the team. Butler can become an unrestricted free agent if he opts out of his contract next summer, so Minnesota might look to move him before the trade deadline in February.

According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, the Cavs are shopping Kevin Love on the trade market after LeBron’s departure. The Cavs are entering the rebuilding stage, so they’ll move Love for the right offer.

Over the course of the season, any star could become available. With the right assets, the Rockets could make a qualifying offer and pull off a big trade. Houston won’t center a package around Carter-Williams, but he is a good throw-in piece, especially since he’s just 26 years old.

Next: Some stars the Rockets should look to acquire

In the end, Michael Carter-Williams’ biggest contribution to Houston might not be what he does on the court, but the extra leverage he gives Daryl Morey in trade negotiations.