The Houston Rockets are reportedly pursuing a pair of veterans to fill out their roster after agreeing to a trade for Russell Westbrook with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Rockets are primarily focused on landing Andre Iguodala in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
They are also reportedly interested in signing free-agent center Tyson Chandler.
Memphis acquired Iguodala and a protected first-round pick in a trade with the Golden State Warriors this offseason so Golden State could make room for guard D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
It is widely assumed that the rebuilding Grizzlies will trade the 35-year-old Iguodala to a contender, but that may not happen until after the 2019-20 season begins.
Per Marc Stein of the New York Times, there is “some belief” within the league that Memphis will keep Iguodala on the roster heading into the season unless it gets an offer that includes a future first-round pick.
As part of the Westbrook trade, the Rockets reportedly parted with 2024 and 2026 first-round picks in addition to point guard Chris Paul. The Thunder also have the right to swap first-round picks with the Rockets in 2021 and 2025.
If Houston can put together a package that appeals to Memphis, Iguodala would be a huge addition given his championship pedigree. The one-time All-Star won three championships with the Warriors, and he was named the 2015 NBA Finals MVP.
The 36-year-old Chandler is a one-time All-Star, one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one-time NBA champion who has 75 games of playoff experience to his credit.
He averaged just 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 55 appearances split between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers last season, but Chandler is set to enter his 19th NBA season, and he brings a great deal to the table.
With career averages of 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game to his credit, Chandler is one of the best defensive centers of his era, and his mere presence would add some much-needed depth and size to Houston’s frontcourt rotation.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
