NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Pondering Fire Sale

Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) warms up before playing against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) warms up before playing against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Terrence Jones

Position: Power Forward

Age: 24

Salary: $2,489,530

Slash Line: .447/.354/.689

Season Averages: 23.2 MPG, 9.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.6 3PM

Statistically speaking, Terrence Jones is nothing more than a competent role player who can provide a steady impact across the board. His pedestrian numbers leave something to be desired, specifically for a player who is two-to-three seasons away from his prime.

Don’t let the numbers fool you; Jones may be the most valuable trade asset on the Houston Rockets’ roster.

The 24-year-old is as well-rounded a power forward as you’ll find in the NBA. He can go to the post, space the floor from beyond the arc, attack off the bounce, crash the offensive glass, defend multiple positions, protect the rim, and facilitate from the high post.

Jones is cut from the same cloth as fellow lefty standout Lamar Odom.

In Houston, Jones isn’t utilized quite enough to put his unique skill set on full display—a usage rate of 18.3 percent is evidence enough. In something of a featured role on another team, however, the former Kentucky Wildcats star could thrive and become a key piece of the future.

With an expiring contract and restricted free agency pending, Jones could be the centerpiece of an influential trade between Houston and a team pursuing future assets.

Next: The Gamble