Houston Rockets: 7 Potential Trade Destinations for Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

With the uncertainty regarding Kyle Lowry's future with the Houston Rockets organization, who are the teams that may decide to pursue the disgruntled point guard? 

The following slides will delve into this appropriate question for the rebuilding franchise.

Earlier this week, Kyle Lowry voiced his displeasure with coach Kevin McHale. The breakout facilitator went as far to say that he doesn't believe the two can ever coexist. 

“I don’t think so,” Lowry, 26, said. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed. If things aren't addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved." 

While Lowry was a major part of the Rockets' surprising success this year, he isn't the only competent point guard on the roster. Goran Dragic is a more-than-viable option to take on the starting role.

Additionally, Lowry has an extensive injury history, something Houston must be considering with this current debacle. Just a few weeks ago, Lowry had surgery to repair a sports hernia and torn abductor muscles.

While Lowry would be a valuable addition to any franchise, his prima donna attitude and past physical ailments do raise up a few questions.

Charlotte Bobcats

Kyle Lowry
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Possible trade: 

Houston Rockets swap Kyle Lowry for guard Gerald Henderson, center Bismack Biyombo and a future pick with the Charlotte Bobcats.

Why it works for Charlotte:

Obviously, D.J. Augustin isn't the answer at point guard for the Charlotte Bobcats. His score-first mentality and smaller stature will be better suited off the bench. By acquiring Kyle Lowry, the Bobcats have a new facilitator who is more compatible with franchise cornerstone Kemba Walker.

Sure, losing young prospects Bismack Biyombo and Gerald Henderson will hurt, but adding a veteran to a disheveled locker room will almost certainly improve their dismal record.

Why it works for Houston:

The Rockets acquire a center and guard who will develop into nice assets down the road. In addition, these two young stars will improve an already impressive amount of depth on the roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

Kyle Lowry
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Possible Trade:

Houston Rockets trade Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson and Luis Scola for Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol.

Why it works for Los Angeles

The Lakers pursuit for an effective, athletic point guard is over when they acquire Kyle Lowry. After a less-than-stellar Ramon Sessions experiment, Kyle Lowry's presence next to Kobe Bryant in the starting lineup will almost certainly extend the shooting guard's career. 

In addition, Patterson and Scola will improve frontcourt depth to a team that desperately lacks talent at the big man spots.

Why it works for Houston

Houston finally obtains a superstar to lead them back to the playoffs. With a plethora of talent and a new starting power forward in Pau Gasol, the Rockets will finally be brought back to relevancy since the days of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

The Rockets, in fact, almost acquired Gasol last offseason.

Phoenix Suns

Kyle Lowry and Marcin Gortat
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Possible Trade: 

Houston Rockets send Kyle Lowry to Phoenix for breakout center Marcin Gortat.

Why it works for Phoenix

With Steve Nash's tenure coming to a close with the Suns, either due to retirement or leaving in free agency, Phoenix would be wise to start searching for a replacement. Lowry is a fantastic option to be the successor, as he is more than capable of becoming a franchise cornerstone.

While he will never be a top-tier guard, Lowry's youth and talent will help an inevitable rebuilding phase in Phoenix.

Why it works for Houston

Marcin Gortat is arguably an upper echelon center in the association. With Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert playing as shades of their respective former selves, Marcin Gortat would be a great addition to Houston's starting lineup.

His size and knack for rebounding will help Houston finally acquire another playoff berth.

Utah Jazz

Paul Millsap
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Possible Trade:

Houston Rockets swap Kyle Lowry and a future pick for Paul Millsap of the Utah Jazz.

Why it works for Utah

Millsap is a quality contributor to a strong Utah Jazz squad, but the team's depth at the big men positions makes him dispensable. This allows the franchise to pursue players at different positions, preferably point guard.

Lowry is an absolute improvement over the underachieving Devin Harris, whose tenure with the team has been horrendous.

Why it works for Houston

Paul Millsap will definitely help a frontcourt riddled with elder veterans on their way out of the Association. With many of these elder statesman unable to log major minutes, Millsap could become a key part to the Rockets' puzzle.

His bruising mentality will bring more toughness to a resilient squad.

Miami Heat

Kyle Lowry
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Possible Trade:

Houston Rockets send Kyle Lowry to Miami for point guards Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole and small forward Shane Battier.

Why it works for Miami

Miami finally obtains a point guard talented enough to alleviate pressure from stars Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. 

Lowry, in addition, possesses a pass-first mentality, something that would be extremely valuable to the Heat's chemistry.

Why it works for Houston

Houston obtains three great role players who will add on to an already great supporting cast. Chalmers and Cole will provide a security blanket to the point guard position and Battier would contribute valuable leadership to a young roster.

Milwaukee Bucks

Brandon Jennings
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Possible Trade:

Houston Rockets ship Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson and former Florida star Chandler Parsons to Milwaukee for Brandon Jennings and Drew Gooden.

Why it works for Milwaukee

Brandon Jennings is not the answer for the Bucks' point guard woes, despite his incredible scoring prowess. Not only has he hinted about bolting the city once his contract has expired, but his score-first mentality doesn't mesh well with the recently-acquired Monta Ellis. Lowry, on the other hand, will provide a consistent presence next to Ellis, who will thrive next to a true facilitator.

Additionally, the team receives two more prospects to help their rebuilding efforts.

Why it works for Houston

Brandon Jennings will develop into a true superstar in the city of Houston. With the large-market and talented supporting cast, Jennings could develop into a household name in Texas.

Acquiring Jennings does come with a price, however, as the team would have to add Drew Gooden and his cumbersome contract.

Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Possible Trade:

Houston Rockets sever ties with Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry and Patrick Patterson to add Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard.

Why it works for Orlando

Orlando Magic have yet to appease franchise cornerstone Dwight Howard, and it looks as if his tenure in O-Town is coming to an end. A rebuilding phase may be coming with this franchise and Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson and Kevin Martin would be intriguing additions to help this process.

Why it works for Houston

The Rockets' search for a franchise-altering star is over when they acquire the league's premier talent at the center position. Houston, with an already fantastic supporting cast, would become an instant championship-contending squad with the assistance of Dwight Howard.