The NBA trade rumors heat up as the trade season is about to begin.
Most players are eligible to be traded when the restriction is lifted on December 15 and by then, most teams have a clearer vision on where their team is headed.
Two teams filled with high expectations coming into the season have turned out disappointing-the Houston Rockets and the Milwukee Bucks.
The Houston Rockets have made it clear that they are shopping Ty Lawson, as per Basketball Insiders report that "the Rockets have been sniffing around the league for deals and there is a belief among other teams that Lawson could be had in trade, and had cheaply."
It would be challenging for the Rockets to find a trade partner and most probably they need to add other pieces in a package for a team to accept Lawson considering how much his play dropped. That being said, his contract beyond this season is not guaranteed.
The Milwaukee Bucks could dangle their best trade bait according to Bleacher Report, which is OJ Mayo. Mayo could be included in a package that would include Greivis Vasquez (to take Lawson's place). Both players are also on expiring deals so they would not affect the Rockets' planned pursuit of Kevin Durant.
The Rockets, however, should give more cause for the Bucks to accept Lawson. Although Lawson has only this season guaranteed, it's a hefty $ 12.5 million. They could include their own trade asset, Terrence Jones. It is unlikely the Rockets renew Jones if they will pursue Durant, so it's better that they use him to get rid of Lawson.
These teams are probably considering their options as they continue to lose, and this trade could be one of them.