TRADE: Atlanta Hawks And Houston Rockets Reportedly Make A Deal
On Friday evening, NBA free agency began around the league, and there has been an abundance of reported signings and trades.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (on Saturday), the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets have made a trade.
Via Charania: "Rockets are nearing a deal sending two former first-round picks, TyTy Washington Jr. and Usman Garuba, along with draft compensation to Atlanta, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium."
In addition, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution added more details on the reported deal.
Via Williams: "Atlanta sends out the draft rights to Alpha Kaba to Houston for TyTy Washington, Usman Garuba, ‘28 HOU 2nd, ‘25 MIN 2nd and $1.1m cash"
Washington was the 29th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and averaged 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 36.3% from the field in 31 games during his rookie season.
As for Garuba, he was the 23rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and is coming off a year where he averaged 3.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.6% from the field.
Therefore, the Hawks are getting two recent first-round picks without having to give up any significant assets.
This past year, the Rockets were tied for the second-worst record in the league (22-60) and missed the NBA Playoffs for the third straight season.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have been to the Playoffs for three straight seasons but have lost in the first round in each of the last two years.
