The Houston Rockets and Ty Lawson are working together to find a trade to get the 27-year-old point guard out of Houston, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Rockets are already trying to trade Ty Lawson, according to report
The Rockets and Lawson have realized they are a poor fit for each other and could part ways soon.
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The Rockets traded for Lawson in July after the Nuggets made him available following a DUI arrest. The deal was centered around non-guaranteed contracts and a lottery-protected 2016 draft pick. It was a good gamble to make, as the price was low and Lawson is a quality starting point guard, at his best. Now it seems things have gone awry and the two sides are willing to part ways.
The Rockets’ front office is working with Lawson’s representatives to find a new home for Lawson, who is reportedly not happy with the reduced role he has in Houston. The former Nugget is reportedly going to be suspended two games for a past DUI, but the willingness to move him stems only from his poor on-court performance.
Why it makes sense to part ways
Lawson is having the worst year of his career. He’s averaging six points and four assists while shooting 33 percent from the floor and 30 percent from beyond the arc in just 25 minutes per game. It’s understandable for him to want a change of scenery, especially considering his contract situation. He’s about to enter free agency in his prime and right as the salary cap is about to explode thanks to the league’s new TV contract. It wouldn’t be surprising for him want to be on a team that can feature him on offense to up his value.
The Rockets have largely disappointed so far in the season, posting a 13-14 record. A big part of their struggles stems from their below-average point guard play, as Lawson has not been able to provide the upgrade they were looking for when they originally traded for him. He's done poorly as a starter next to the ball-dominant James Harden, and has struggled even when the Rockets' superstar has rested. It simply hasn't been a good fit.
The Rockets need to shake things up, and if they can get value back for a player that has played as poorly as Lawson, they need to explore that option. For Lawson, finding a team that can give him a bigger role could have a huge impact on his earning potential. Both parties would be better off without the other.
Why it doesn’t make sense to part ways
As mediocre as the Rockets have looked, they will likely make the playoffs. A solid performance in the postseason could boost Lawson’s value more than putting up empty numbers on a bad team. Unless another playoff team is interested -- and it’s hard to see any that could offer him the role he reportedly wants -- staying in Houston and out of trouble might be better than being traded and facing new challenges.
As for the Rockets, Lawson is on the last year of his contract after relinquishing his player option to facilitate his arrival to Houston. That means his $13 million contract comes off the books this summer, which could give the front office wiggle room under the cap to make some additions. Unless they can get an asset or a good player back for Lawson -- doubtful, considering how he’s played -- they will likely not take on salary in a trade, which reduces the possible destinations.
Lawson has been so bad and had so many off-court issues that his value is shot. It’s hard to imagine any other franchise offering real assets to get him. The Rockets have always valued flexibility so they won’t likely make a transaction that compromises it by adding future salary. As poor as the fit has been, there’s a case to be made that both sides should probably find a way to coexist for the next six months before parting ways in the offseason.
Likelihood of happening: 8/10
The fit has been undeniably terrible on the court. That’s why the two sides are reportedly working together to facilitate a trade, with Lawson’s reps driving the bus, per ESPN’s Calvin Watkins. It’s hard to find a destination for Lawson because the point guard position is overflowing with talent, but it will only take one team willing to take a chance to convince Houston to pull the trigger. After all, Lawson is just one season removed from averaging 15 points and 10 assists.
If there is anyone interested, the Rockets would be foolish to hang on to a player that has not helped them so far. It’s hard to see Lawson finishing this season in Houston.
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