Given the point guard-heavy nature of the NBA today, it’s a good strategy to have a point guard on your squad that can slow the NBA’s cavalcade of superstar playmakers. Perhaps no point guard in the league is better at that than the Houston Rockets’ Patrick Beverley. According to Sean Devaney of The Sporting News, Beverley’s name is being actively bandied about in trade talks:
The Rockets have been actively shopping point guard Patrick Beverley, a source with knowledge of the situation told Sporting News on Tuesday.
Beverley, who averaged 9.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season, has been open to a trade away from Houston leading into this offseason, the source said, and has consulted with the team about the possible move.
Last year, when the Rockets hired coach Mike D’Antoni, Beverley told Sporting News he considered seeking a trade, under the assumption that D’Antoni — known for his quickfire offense — would not welcome Beverley’s defense-first style. But after speaking with D’Antoni, who committed to Beverley as his point guard, he decided to give the new coach a try.
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Beverley enjoyed playing for D’Antoni, he said multiple times last season. But other factors, the source said, have led the Rockets and Beverley to explore trade possibilities.
Beverley, a likely choice for one of the NBA’s All-Defensive teams, is entering the third year of a four-year, $25 million contract with Houston, and is scheduled to be paid $10.5 million over the next two years. The Rockets have been planning to pursue first-tier free agents this summer, and could be willing to move Beverley if it helps create cap space.
