This would be a pretty good fit if a trade does happen.
The Rockets are trying to get in on the Trevor Ariza trade talk, but not for their former 3-and-D wing that’s currently with the Phoenix Suns. Instead, Houston would be interested in getting involved to try and acquire Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, per Uproxx.
“In desperate search for an upgrade at the wing, the Rockets are targeting Caldwell-Pope, league sources said,” Shams Charania of The Athletic wrote. “The Lakers have pursued Suns forward Trevor Ariza, along with several other contenders, according to league sources.”
“As the trade market hashes itself out early this season, Caldwell-Pope has several interested suitors across the league, a telling sign for the 2019 free agent.”
Charania adds that Caldwell-Pope “would only sign off on a trade should a deal arise that benefit his career.”
Caldwell-Pope is playing on a one-year deal and can veto any trade. The Rockets would be a solid fit, as the team is desperate for wing help and Caldwell-Pope can fill their need for perimeter shooting and the ability to switch on the perimeter defensively.
Charania mentions that these three going into a deal would require a fourth team coming along to take Brandon Knight’s contract for Houston, and for now, no moves are imminent. However, the Rockets are looking at “multi-team trade scenarios” that would land Caldwell-Pope on their roster.