10 players the Rockets can add through trade exceptions

Houston Rockets trade target #6: George Hill

Prior to the start of the season the Milwaukee Bucks sent George Hill and Eric Bledsoe packing in a four-team trade that was centered around Jrue Holiday, which was an attempt to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign a long-term contract extension with the Bucks. The move sent Bledsoe to the New Orleans Pelicans and Hill to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the latter of which were clearly rebuilding after trading Chris Paul and Dennis Schroeder, who were pivotal during OKC’s redeem season.

Hill had been a key reserve for the Bucks, averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 3 rebounds in 21 minutes of action last season. Hill is capable of providing a spark off the bench, which the Rockets are in need of, and is an elite 3-point shooter.

To the latter point, Hill led the league in long-range shooting, as he made 46 percent of his threes last season on 3 attempts per game. The Rockets currently rank 23rd in 3-point percentage, and could use Hill’s elite shooting.

In addition, Hill is a plus defender and can contribute on that end of the floor. Hill has played well in OKC this season, averaging 11.8 points on 63 percent true shooting (38.6 percent from three), but the Thunder don’t have a need for a 34-year-old guard, as they’ve clearly hit the reset button.

Hill is making $9.6 million this season and holds a partial guarantee for next season, as he could be waived before June 30th and would only be owed $1.2 million, as opposed to the $10 million he’s slated to receive if kept past that date.

Next: No. 5