Morey solved the potential log jam "problem" of possibly having 5 2013 picks in top 40 picks after having possibly 5 rookies in 2012. Rockets might not get a pick in 2013 if they make playoffs. Hopefully Aldrich pans out as a backup center as there will be a lot of centers (Noel, Gobert, Zeller, Austin) in 2013 lottery. 2013 1st Round Own pick owed to Atlanta. Lottery protected through 2016. If not conveyed by 2016, send 2017 2nd rd pick and cash. (T. Williams trade still hurting) 2013 2nd Round Own pick owed to Atlanta. Top 40 protected through 2015. If not conveyed by 2015, send 2016 2nd rd pick. (D. Andersen trade) 2014 2nd Round Knicks owe their pick. No protection. (Camby trade) Own pick to Milwaukee in first allowable year after pick sent to Atlanta. (2012 pick trade) 2015 2nd Round Knicks owe their pick. No protection. (Camby trade) Clippers owe their pick if 51-55. If not in that range, Rockets get nothing. ( D Andersen trade, take 2)
That's right. Of course, if there's a guy in the early second round of the 2013 NBA Draft who the Rockets really like, they should be able to BUY a pick in that range. To my knowledge, Houston has not dealt out any cash in its trades, any of which would apply against the $3.1 million cash allotment that each team is limited to including in all trades COMBINED during the 2012-13 season. If the Rockets make the playoffs, and if they haven't dealt out much cash in trades during the season, I won't be the least bit surprised if the Rockets buy their way into the draft like they did in 2009. (Probably not three times, though.)
I definitely agree that the Rockets buy a pick if they see someone they like. Playoffs are still a long way away as the Rockets best three players are going to asked to play more than before. I would really like that pick the Rockets gave up for Williams back. With them trading Johnson and Smith in final year of deal, I expect the will be pick buyers and not sellers though.
