Report: Rockets emerge as potential 3-team trade partner, candidate for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Houston Rockets have emerged as a potential suitor for Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and could join the Phoenix Suns in a multi-team trade scenario, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Rockets are once again desperate for an upgrade at the wing position after the loss of Trevor Ariza, and could dart their next shot at Caldwell-Pope, another three-and-D archetype who has struggled to fit in a LeBron-James-centric offense.

The Los Angeles Lakers have pursued Pheonix Suns forward Trevor Ariza, along with several other contenders, making him one of the prime targets once the Dec. 15 deadline allows him to be traded to a different team after signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the Suns this season.

The Suns have recently made the change in the starting lineup, giving second-year wing Josh Jackson a chance with the top unit — a change that could soon become permanent, if the Suns part ways with Ariza.

Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year, $12 million deal to return to the Lakers last offseason and holds veto power on any trade. The marksman made $23 million last season in a balloon deal after he was renounced by the Detroit Pistons, but was forced to take a pay cut with James coming to town.

He and his agent, Rich Paul are unlikely to approve any trade that doesn’t benefit Caldwell-Pope’s career and translate into immediate playing time.

No action can be taken until the Dec. 15 deadline, but the Rockets are expected to be very active on the trade market, considering they’re a sliver from the bottom of the Western Conference, currently sporting a 12-14 record after a franchise-best 65-win season.

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