3 players the Rockets could land in a Victor Oladipo trade

Houston Rockets trade target #2: Tyler Herro

Oladipo has reportedly been adamant about wanting to join the Miami Heat, who would be motivated to acquire him, for a number of reasons. For one, he’d almost certainly sign a long-term extension beyond this season, as he would figure to sign with Miami in free agency anyways, since the Heat are his desired destination.

Also, a two-way player such as Oladipo would be a perfect fit alongside Jimmy Butler, who has a similar skillset, from that perspective. To get Oladipo, the two-time All-Star and former All-NBA guard, the Heat would have to give up emerging guard Tyler Herro, who holds value at age 20, for a Rockets team that has their sights set on rebuilding.

From a financial perspective Herro wouldn’t be enough to get a deal done, as he is on a rookie deal that pays him just $2.5 million annually, compared to Oladipo’s 2020-21 salary of $21 million. The Heat would have to also throw in Andre Iguodala, who makes $15 million this season and has been on the Rockets’ radar for several years.

Iguodala is technically under contract through 2021-22, although his deal includes a team option in the final year of 2021-22, which is appealing from the Rockets’ standpoint, as they could simply decline the option and make him a free agent at the end of this season, giving them more flexibility. Herro figures to cost the Rockets a first-round draft pick, or two, as the Heat are not only high on him, but also realize his value, due to his anticipated growth and development.

Herro made 38.9 percent of his threes as a rookie, and averaged 13.5 points off the bench. In the 2020 postseason Herro averaged 16 points and 5.1 rebounds, while making 37.5 percent of his threes on 6.1 attempts.

In year two, Herro has averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, which further illustrates his value. The Rockets were reportedly interested in acquiring Herro for James Harden, although the Heat backed out of the deal because they reportedly believed that Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone was seeking too much in return for Harden.

A Herro-for-Oladipo swap would give Miami another star, in addition to giving the Houston Rockets a second-year building block in Herro.

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