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NBA Trade Grades: Nets Set To Acquire Rockets’ K.J. McDaniels

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trade Grades
Nov 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) handles the ball outside while Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

After trading for Lou Williams earlier this week, the Rockets had solidified their backcourt depth and tried to strengthen their three-point efficiency to contend with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs in the West.

This deal doesn’t really move them much closer to contention, but it does make them a potential candidate for players who get bought out at the deadline, putting them $3.3 million under the salary cap:

The merit of dumping McDaniels for a heavily protected second-rounder will be influenced by what the Rockets are able to pick up on the buy-out market. Houston could use another wing after shipping away Corey Brewer, although small-ball 4 Sam Dekker could be moved to the 3 in a pinch.

The 24-year-old McDaniels was only averaging 2.8 points in 7.3 minutes per game for the Rockets this season. Though he averaged a promising 9.2 points and 1.3 blocks per game in his rookie year with the Philadelphia 76ers, his potential was never going to materialize in Houston.

Giving up on players with upside is an unfortunate side effect of trying to contend for championships, but with decent players about to be waived (Terrence Jones, anyone?), the Rockets could replace him to fit their needs better.

Grade: B-

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