:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67814209/963435916.0.jpg)
The Houston Rockets have made a move that could set them up for the future. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets have traded Trevor Ariza and the No. 16 overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a future first-round pick. In addition, the Rockets are purchasing the Pistons second-round pick for $4.6 million via the Lakers.
Houston is trading Trevor Ariza and the No. 16 pick tonight to Detroit for a future first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. The deal gives the Rockets - a hard-capped team -- the freedom to use their mid-level exception in free agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 18, 2020
The Rockets held the No. 16 pick after they traded Robert Covington to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. By moving Covington and Ariza, the Rockets have their eyes set on making a huge splash in free agency, as Houston now has a projected $12.8 million trade exception. NBA Free Agency is set to open on Friday at 6 PM ET.
Per source, the pick the #Pistons are sending to Houston is HEAVILY protected. It's top-16 protected for the next four years, top-10 protected the following two years and then top-9 protected. After that, it becomes seconds.
— James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) November 19, 2020
NBA sources confirm the #Rockets reached an agreement to buy Detroit’s 2021 2nd-round pick via the Lakers for $4.6 million. @wojespn reported first.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 19, 2020
In his second move as general manager, let’s see if Rafael Stone will make more moves as the night progresses.