NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets Have Discussed Hawks' Kent Bazemore

Even though the Houston Rockets have started playing closer to their expectations, general manager Daryl Morey reportedly is exploring moves to upgrade his roster.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Rockets are among the teams that have had discussions about acquiring Kent Bazemore from the Atlanta Hawks. 

Bazemore could be an attractive trade option because of his versatility, especially as a wing defender. Among shooting guards who average at least 25 minutes per game, he ranks eighth in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus. 

One potential complicating factor for a team like the Rockets is Bazemore's contract. His full salary this season is $18.1 million with a player option at $19.3 million for 2019-20, per Spotrac.

Houston's payroll this season is at $133.4 million, nearly $10 million over the NBA tax threshold of $123.733 million. 

James Harden has had to carry a heavy burden for the Rockets with Chris Paul's ongoing injury issues. The reigning NBA MVP leads the league in scoring at 32.3 points per game, including a streak of seven straight games with at least 32 points. Houston has gone 6-1 during this stretch. 

Bazemore is averaging a career-high 14 points and 1.7 steals per game for the Hawks.