The Denver Nuggets have finally found a taker for Ty Lawson.
Reports have it that that controversial playmaker is headed to the Houston Rockets along with a 2017 second round pick in exchange for Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni, Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson and a lottery-protected 2016 first-round draft pick.
With the deal, the Rockets have somehow addressed their problems at the guard position, something that was apparent in their previous NBA playoff run.
Though Lawson has proven what he can do, the Rockets will also be inheriting a player that comes with off-court issues. Most celebrated is of course another DUI charge, his second in six months.
The 27-year-old guard is currently undergoing rehab at the Cliffside Malibu in Los Angeles where charges will not be filed if Lawson completes the 30-day residential treatment program.
Aside from this unfortunate episode, Lawson could face more disciplinary measures once NBA officials look into the matter.
After falling short of snagging Jeremy Lin, the Rockets were already linked to Lawson to help them hone their backcourt. Already re-signed were Patrick Beverly and Corey Brewer.
Per his agent, Lawson is reportedly happy with the deal since he is close to some players. That includes James Harden, Dwight Howard, Corey Brewer and Trevor Ariza.
The deal also allows the 18th overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft a fresh start and hopefully that includes learning to control and discipline himself with his off-court issues.
Lawson did put up good numbers last season, averaging 15.2 points and 9.6 assists. It remains to be seen if Lawson can maintain those numbers of do better.
As far as general manager Darrel Morley is concerned, however, he believes that Lawson can be a big different heading into next season.
“A lot of what we had hoped to accomplish before next season he’s able to do,” Morey said. “He’s another guy that can attack the basket, can shoot, can make plays for others.”
It remains to be seen of course if the addition of Lawson can help the Rockets stand up to the other teams in a very competitive Western conference this coming season.
Aside from the fact that they have to deal with the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets will have to find a way to deal with other teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clipppers – teams which have gotten better with new recruits.
As for Denver, the departure of Lawson means that draft pick Emmanuel Mudiay will likely start for the team this coming season.
Lawson was apparently aware of his fate when the Nuggets selected Mudiay with the seventh overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft. Mudiay showed what he could do in the NBA Summer League, averaging 12.5 points and 5.8 assists in four games.