NBA Rumors: 3 trades that send Houston Rockets’ John Wall to the Miami Heat

Houston Rockets: John Wall to Miami Heat Trade #2

If the Miami Heat want to keep Goran Dragic, as he’s still an effective player, then they’re going to need to include a whole host of players to make the salaries match. The Rockets’ return of Iguodala, Avery Bradley, Meyers Leonard, Kendrick Nunn, and Chris Silva is a massive return of players and salary that is light on production.

Fortunately, none of these players have a guarantee for next season, and Leonard, Bradley, Silva, and Iguodala all have team options. This deal, much like the last one, works for the Rockets because it makes them cheaper but by having so many players who have reasonable player options they could very well factor in next season.

In the absence of Christian Wood the Rockets haven’t won a game, Meyers Leonard won’t make the Rockets a world beater but having that depth at the center position could have likely allowed them to avoid 13 consecutive losses.

Avery Bradley hasn’t been the same player since he left the Boston Celtics but he is a solid 3-and-D player that could be attractive in the trade market as he is only owed $5.9 million next season. Silva has hardly played this season but he makes next to nothing and has shown some potential as a stretch power forward.

The only player without a team option is Kendrick Nunn but he has had success as a score-first combo guard. At 25-years-old the Rockets would likely look to extend him and he is the type of player that can keep an offense afloat that you won’t have to break the bank for.

This deal gives the Rockets roster and cap flexibility heading into next season and should allow them to recoup some draft picks or become players in free agency. Either way, this trade helps the Rockets’ long-term prognosis, even if it means that they’ll be gunning for a top-4 pick this season.

Next: Trade #1