Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, is rumored to be wanted by the Houston Rockets in a three-team trade also rumored to involve Phoenix Suns Forward Trevor Ariza, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Houston Rockets are emerging as a suitor for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in multi-team trade scenarios, such as with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, league sources told The Athletic.
In desperate search for an upgrade at the wing, the Rockets are targeting Caldwell-Pope, league sources said. The Lakers have pursued Suns forward Trevor Ariza, along with several other contenders, according to league sources.
The Rockets are thought to be seeking Caldwell-Pope to improve their wing positions, with the team performing below expectations, currently 12-14, 14th in the Western Conference. Caldwell-Pope may also be sought to fill the roster spot of former all-star Carmelo Anthony, who the Rockets parted ways with after a 6-7 start to the season. However, Houston’s fortunes have not improved with Anthony’s departure as the team is 3-7 through their last 10 games.
Caldwell-Pope agreed to stay with the Lakers on a one-year $12 million contract during the offseason, and has the ability to veto any proposed trade himself or his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, feel is not in his best interest. Reports suggest that there is currently no deal in place for a trade to occur and that Houston isn’t the only team interested in acquiring Caldwell-Pope.
This season, Caldwell-Pope has averaged 11.5 points per game and has been in good form recently, shooting 41% from three over the Lakers last seven games. The Lakers are currently 17-10 on the season, sitting 5th in the Western Conference.
