The Rockets almost looked very different.
The Houston Rockets historic deal for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in return for a package centered around Jalen Green has been the highlight of their hectic offseason. The Rockets have also made several astute low-key acquisitions, such as luring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. However, it was recently reported that the Rockets attempted to get Dean Wade in the week between the NBA Draft and the beginning of free agency, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Siegel recently covered some of the other names that the Rockets were said to be considering before acquiring Finney-Smith.
According to insiders, the Houston Rockets attempted to acquire forward Wade from the Cleveland Cavaliers before acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, Siegel said. In exchange for a trade with Cleveland, “Houston was willing to offer Wade a full MLE extension over the next few seasons, the same deal that Finney-Smith ultimately got.”
Wade is still a valuable member of the rotation, as seen by the Cavaliers’ rejection of Houston’s trade offer. Wade’s size, defensive versatility, and dependable outside shooting appealed to Houston before they switched to Finney-Smith, who had left the Lakers, despite his unimpressive name.
Wade, 28, will make $6.6 million in 2024–2025 as he enters the last year of his current contract. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 59 games played for the Cavaliers last season, shooting 36.0% from three-point range. His versatility to defend various positions and stretch the floor makes him an attractive asset, especially on a team-friendly contract, even though his numbers might not jump off the page.
In the end, both teams should be content with their outcomes. Cleavland got to keep a piece of their core, and Houston was able to poach Dorian Finey Smith from the Lakers.