Houston Rockets Trade Point Guard Amen Thompson to Washington Wizards
Trade Details
The Houston Rockets have traded point guard Amen Thompson to the Washington Wizards in exchange for a future second-round pick, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The move comes as a surprise, as Thompson was expected to be a key part of the Rockets' rebuilding plans.
Thompson, 25, averaged 13.3 points and 6.3 assists per game last season. He is a skilled playmaker and scorer who can create his own shot and for others. However, he has also been criticized for his defense and shot selection.
The Rockets are reportedly looking to acquire more draft picks and young players in exchange for veterans as they continue to rebuild. Thompson is the latest player to be traded by the Rockets, who have also dealt away Christian Wood, Eric Gordon, and John Wall in recent months.
Thompson's Fit with the Wizards
The Wizards are in need of a point guard after trading Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers last summer. Thompson should be able to step in and start right away for the Wizards, who are looking to compete for a playoff spot this season.
Thompson is a good fit for the Wizards because of his ability to create offense for himself and others. He is also a solid defender, which is something the Wizards need.
The Wizards are hoping that Thompson can be a long-term solution at the point guard position. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and he could be a key part of the Wizards' future success.
Rockets' Future Plans
The Rockets are now left with a young and inexperienced backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. is the only point guard on the roster with any significant NBA experience.
The Rockets are likely to use the future second-round pick they acquired in the Thompson trade to select a point guard in the 2023 NBA Draft. They could also look to sign a veteran point guard in free agency.
The Rockets are in a rebuilding phase, and they are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this season. However, they have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they could be a contender in the future.