The Houston Rockets continued to tinker with a roster they hope can compete for a championship this summer, sending guard Michael Carter-Williams to Chicago in an early-morning deal on Monday.
Carter-Williams had played in just 16 games for Houston this year, starting just one when injuries hit the Rockets hard earlier in the year. He averaged just 4.3 points, 1.3 assists and 0.8 rebounds per game. But the most important number associated with Carter-Williams was his contract, which on Monday would have been guaranteed for the rest of the season.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that Carter-Williams would be traded to Chicago, quickly following up that the former Syracuse standout will not be suiting up for the Bulls after all.
Houston has traded guard Michael Carter Williams and cash to Chicago, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 7, 2019
Chicago will waive Michael Carter-Williams, league source tells ESPN. His contract would become guaranteed for season at 5 PM today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 7, 2019
The deal essentially saves Houston some cap room, leaving them more flexible when the real trade deadline hits in a few weeks. And as later reported, the second-round pick that Chicago picks up here may not amount to much of anything.
The 2nd-round pick the Bulls are sending the Rockets to help take MCW off their books for luxury tax relief is so heavily protected that it's unlikely to convey, a source said.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 7, 2019
It’s unclear if Carter-Williams will catch on elsewhere in the NBA, but he will have that option, as Chicago is cutting him loose as well.
Chicago will waive Michael Carter-Williams, league source tells ESPN. His contract would become guaranteed for season at 5 PM today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 7, 2019
So both Houston and Chicago are free to tinker further as the trade deadline looms closer. Both teams are going in different directions this season, but they came together to get this done on Monday.
