They want to preserve the salary slot above the actual cap. Oladipo's contract accomplishes that and can be paired with another contract after the December moratorium / at the deadline. it could mean the difference between the NT-MLE and the Room Exception in the offseason. One is ~$13m the other ~$6.5m
This is a "something is better than nothing" move for OKC. He can always trade those two picks down the line, which I'm nearly certain is exactly what will happen, and they were going to cut Jeremiah, and they didn't know what to do with Oladipo, so it helps out with their roster crunch. It's actually a good trade for both teams.
Houston found great difficulty in moving Porter Jr. following the assault charges, with many organizations wary of getting involved. The Rockets held conversations with several teams, sources said, that would have required additional second-rounders to move Porter Jr. than the two picks Houston ultimately sent to Oklahoma City. And now there’s an expectation around the league that the Rockets will look to use Oladipo’s $9.5 million salary and further second-round capital to further improve Houston’s roster as the Rockets expect to compete for the play-in tournament this spring. There is little belief among NBA personnel that Oladipo will be ready to play much of this upcoming campaign following a torn patellar tendon in his left knee that required his third major surgery in four years. Oladipo never reported to Oklahoma City after the Thunder acquired him from Miami for two second-round picks in July. So that brings a grand total of four second-rounders into OKC’s war chest for taking in and rerouting Oladipo three months later, when the Thunder, sources said, planned to waive Oladipo anyway. Can Oladipo net the Rockets something more? Houston has held trade discussions with Detroit regarding Alec Burks, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and the veteran ball-handler holds a $10.5 million salary that’s nearly a direct match. New Pistons head coach Monty Williams may decide to start rookie swingman Ausar Thompson and bring sophomore standout Jaden Ivey off the bench. Marcus Sasser, the No. 25 pick from this June’s draft, has also played well in preseason, and there are further minutes to spread between Joe Harris and Killian Hayes, as well as Monte Morris off the bench. The Rockets were also in touch with Utah on deal structures that would have sent Talen Horton-Tucker to Houston, sources said. The Jazz have seen continued progress from former No. 5 pick Kris Dunn — who’s found somewhat of a resurgence in Salt Lake City — and would like to afford plenty of opportunity for 2023 first-round selection Keyonte George to handle the controls of Utah’s offense as well. Sources said Houston has also eyed veteran guard Malcom Brodgon, who was traded recently to Portland in the Celtics’ acquisition of All-Star Jrue Holiday, although the Trail Blazers and Rockets have not held significant conversations. The Blazers have so far indicated they plan to keep Brogdon as part of their rebuild, and Brogdon himself recently refuted any notion he was looking for an exit from the franchise.
Man what part of “Oladipo is an old player who just had another major knee injury” do people not understand? He will not play a meaningful minute for the Rockets IF he plays again.
Patrick Fertitta and Stone just can't leave Oladipo alone. Dude is going to file some restraining orders on some dudes. Duncan Robinson would have been better. Oh yeah, we definitely tanking....no way we end up 12 thru 9 in the West. OKC has 15 first rounders and 22 second rounders in the next 7 years. We keeping our 1st one more season. Top 4 protected.
funny part is if the whole DV thing didn't happen and the rockets made this trade, i'd have been thrilled with this trade but i think him being a true expiring made him more valuable and this trade was not worth it. At least they didn't take on more dead money like duncan robinson or some of the other trash that was being talked about
