Report: Houston tried to give away Ryan Anderson before CP3 deal
Ryan Anderson has averaged 15.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with 38.2 percent 3-point shooting over the past six seasons, but that resume wasn't enough to persuade teams to take on his remaining $60 million in salary obligations, even with the cost to acquire the Rockets' big man reaching bargain bin levels.
The Sacramento Kings, who have enough space on their salary cap sheet to absorb Anderson's contract outright, were unwilling to take him off the Rockets' books, even with Houston demanding nothing back in return, accordingly to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Teams allegedly demanded at least two future first-round picks to help the Rockets clear Anderson's hefty cap hold. It's a steep fee, but reminiscent of the package the Golden State Warriors had to include when they dumped the contracts of Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins on the Utah Jazz in summer 2013.
Had Houston been able to shed Anderson's deal without taking on significant contracts in return, the team would have been able to sign Chris Paul outright. Instead, the Rockets created a package of seven players with smaller cap holds, plus a future first-round pick to trade for the Clippers' star.
That doesn't mean that Anderson is safe to explore permanent housing options in the Houston area. The Rockets have made it clear that they wish to add a third All-Star-caliber player alongside Paul and James Harden. Paul George, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Indiana Pacers, and Knicks buyout candidate Carmelo Anthony are two options that have been floated in trade rumors.
The Rockets have had a busy offseason so far, but there may indeed be more fireworks to come.