The Rockets are targeting Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as part of a three-team trade with the Lakers and Suns, according to The Athletic, which cited unidentified sources.
The report adds that the Rockets are "in desperate search for an upgrade at the wing" and that the Lakers, along with several other contenders, have shown interest in Suns small forward Trevor Ariza.
Caldwell-Pope, 25, has veto power on any trade and "he and his agent, Rich Paul, would only sign off on a trade should a deal arise that benefit Caldwell-Pope’s career," per the report. He has drawn interest from several teams in recent months, including the 76ers.
Story on @TheAthleticNBA: Rockets emerge as possible suitor for Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in multi-team scenarios. https://t.co/jXEfj9viNJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 12, 2018
Caldwell-Pope, who is averaging 8.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game with the Lakers this season, signed a new one-year, $12 million deal with the Lakers this offseason after he played for the team in 2017-18. He is not eligible to be traded until Dec. 15.
The Rockets (12-14) will host the Lakers (17-10) on Thursday with tipoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
