10 players the Rockets can add through trade exceptions

Houston Rockets trade target #4: Lou Williams

Lou Williams is one of the greatest bench scorers ever, as he’s scored more bench points than any other player in NBA history. Simply put, Williams is a walking bucket, as evident by his scoring in each of the last three seasons:

• 2017-18: 22.6 points on 35.9 percent from three
• 2018-19: 20 points on 36.1 percent from three
• 2019-20: 18.2 points on 35.2 percent from three

Williams also brings playmaking off of the second unit, as he led the LA Clippers in assists in each of the last two seasons, averaging 5.4 assists in 2018-19 and 5.6 assists on the revamped 2019-20 Clips. The 16-year veteran has received a dip in playing time under first-year Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, and his scoring is down as a result of it.

Williams is averaging just 20 minutes per contest, which are his fewest since 2006-07, and has averaged just 9 attempts per night, which are his fewest since 2007-08. Despite that, Williams is shooting 39.4 percent from three, which is a career-best.

For a Rockets team that ranks 26th in offensive efficiency, Williams’ scoring and playmaking would make him a worthy add. The Clippers have reportedly been shopping Williams, which should be expected considering how he’s seemingly fallen out of Lue’s rotation.

With that being the case, the Rockets could acquire Williams and his expiring contract, as he’s making $8 million this season, meaning the Rockets could use the James Harden TPE to land him, which would be a beneficial move for all parties.

Next: No. 3