Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets Linked With Massive Contract For Fred VanVleet

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The Houston Rockets have become the frontrunners to sign Fred VanVleet when free agency opens on June 30. The 29-year-old guard is coming off a down season for the Raptors, where he shot 39.3% and scored 19.3 points per game. It’s the second time in the past three seasons that VanVleet has played at least 50 games and shot below 40%. Subsequently, the Raptors went 41-41 and did not progress past the Play-In Tournament. This led to the firing of head coach Nick Nurse and a rumored rebuild in Toronto.

However, that has not stopped the Rockets from pursuing their chase for the guard. Having picked up one of the Thompson Brothers in the draft, their third top-five pick in the last three years, the Rockets are looking to bring some veteran talent to help lead the team. They have been heavily linked with a reunion with James Harden, but are also eyeing a massive contract for the career Raptor too.

Rockets’ Offer For VanVleet Rumored At $83.6M Over 2 Years

Per Marc Stein, the Rockets reportedly want to snag VanVleet with a 2-year, $83.6 million contract. By comparison, VanVleet made $85 million over four years in his most recent contract with the Raptors. Evidently, the Rockets are hoping that VanVleet’s 2022-23 campaign was merely a blip and that the guard can return to his All-Star form from the season prior. Furthermore, Stein indicates that the Rockets may turn their attention to Boston’s Jaylen Brown if they can’t acquire Harden or VanVleet.

The VanVleet pursuit comes as the Rockets look to turn the corner on their reboot under new head coach Ime Udoka. With the addition of 2023 first-rounder Armen Thompson, the Rockets have a young, strong Big Three. However, the team is very much lacking in the way of meaningful depth and impact veterans. Despite this, the rumored offer is a lock of money to throw at a guy coming off one of the worst years of this career. Furthermore, it was also the most games that VanVleet has started in a season, making it all the more worrying if his numbers persist. What do you think about this rumor? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Paul George Trade Rumors Surface

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June 18 saw the first blockbuster trade of the NBA offseason take place. Amid rumors that Zion Williamson and Damian Lillard may be on the move, it was the Washington Wizards who fired the first shot. Veteran guard Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns for a package of players and picks. However, that trade may have been the first drops of water that break the proverbial dam in the coming weeks.

Paul George has played for the Clippers since 2019. After spending the first 7 years of his career with the Pacers, George had a brief stint in OKC before being traded to LA. George is an eight-time all-star, most recently this year. This season, the Clippers secured the Western Conference fifth-seed but suffered a first-round exit to the Suns. Now, George could be on the move.

Clippers Gauge Paul George Trade Value

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Clippers have been investigating what a potential trade for George could net them. “League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported in his pay-walled newsletter.

Additionally, Stein reports that two teams with high draft picks have been “identified as potential trade partners.” First, there is the Portland Trail Blazers. Holding the #3 pick in this week’s draft, the Blazers have made it no secret that they are willing to trade their pick away to build an immediate contender around Damian Lillard. Also in the mix is the Houston Rockets, who hold the #4 pick. The Rockets are eager to find a veteran leader for their young rebuild. However, they have also been heavily linked to a possible reunion with James Harden. With Geroge on a player option at the end of the season and the draft just days away, expect these rumors to heat up quickly. Follow all the latest NBA trade rumors here at HotNewHipHop.

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Ime Udoka Signs With The Rockets, Fans React

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Ime Udoka found himself in a bad spot back in the Fall as it was revealed that he allegedly slept with a staffer on the Boston Celtics. Overall, this became a National story given his engagement to Nia Long. Subsequently, Long broke up with Udoka. Moreover, the Celtics decided to suspend the head coach for the entire season. There was a sense that he could potentially come back after the year was up. However, the Celtics eventually made it clear that they would just rather him go somewhere else, entirely.

Throughout the year, there were moments in which it seemed like Udoka might get a job. For instance, he almost ended up with the Brooklyn Nets, although it fell through after further evaluation. Additionally, some people tried to link him to the Atlanta Hawks. In the end, none of those teams ended up working out for him. Now, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, he is headed to a team in a much more desperate situation. Of course, we are talking about the Houston Rockets.

Ime Udoka Is Back In The NBA

Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. are a duo that does not play winning basketball. Consequently, the team found itself at the bottom of the standings again. That said, they could very well end up with Victor Wembanyama. Furthermore, rumors are saying James Harden could end up back with the team next season. If all of this happens, then Ime Udoka could very well have a solid squad to compete with. Whether or not that squad could make the playoffs, still remains to be seen.

As for Twitter, well, they had some very strong reactions to this news. Most people love this hire for the Rockets. However, a lot of people resorted to posting memes as opposed to tried and true commentary. These memes involved strip club appearances with the likes of James Harden. Either way, many are just happy to see Udoka get a second chance. He brought the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season with the team which is a very solid resume to start. Let us know your thoughts on this hiring, in the comments section below.

Twitter Reacts

50 Cent Visits The Pacers In Their Locker Room

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50 Cent is one of the best businessmen in the entire hip-hop world. Overall, he has made hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to his investments. Furthermore, he is always looking to expand his empire. Whether it be through television shows or alcohol brands, Fif knows exactly what he is doing. These days, 50 has been jonesing to get in on some NBA ownership. There are plenty of teams out there looking to add to their ownership groups, and Fif is definitely someone who could bring a lot to the table.

In fact, 50 Cent is already partnered with at least one NBA team. Although this is not in an ownership role, the artist is certainly embedded within the league. This is all thanks to a strategic partnership with the Indiana Pacers. Fif’s Sire Spirits brand is currently being sold at Pacers games. As a result, 50 Cent can oftentimes be seen at Pacers games. In fact, earlier this week, he went to a game in Indianapolis that was also being attended by Will Ferrell.

50 Cent Speaks

On Thursday night, however, 50 was back in the building. As it turns out, he got to see an incredible game against the Houston Rockets, which eventually went to overtime. Overall, the Pacers were able to take over in the final minutes of the match. This led to a huge victory that certainly gave the team some morale. Subsequently, Fif went into the Pacers locker room where he spoke to the players and offered some amazing words of encouragement. Everyone seemed happy to have him there, and it is certainly not the first time he has been welcomed into their space.

If the Pacers are ever for sale and they need a buyer, 50 Cent could prove to be a trusted name in that process. For now, however, the artist is simply happy to have his products sold at the games. It is a partnership that benefits everyone. Moreover, the players get to see a legend at their games on a regular basis. Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

Game Highlights

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SOURCE SPORTS: Damian Lillard Drops 71 Points in Win Over Houston Rockets

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Damian Lillard Drops 71 Points in Win Over Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard had it all going on Sunday. During a game against the Houston Rockets, Logo Lillard poured in 71 points with 13 3-pointers to take his Portland Trailblazers to a win.

Lillard became the eighth player in NBA history to score 70 points. According to ESPN, Lillard is the oldest to do so at 32 years old. He brings in the second 70-point game of the season as Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell also dropped 71 in a win against the Chicago Bulls On Jan. 2.

“I enjoy those moments in the game when I’m just going after people when I’m in attack mode,” Lillard said.

For the game, Lillard was 22-of-38 from the field and 13-of-22 from three. He joins an elite class of shooters in the Golden State Warriors snipers Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry and Bulls’ swingman Zach Lavine as the only players who have hit 13 3s or more in a game.

Highlights from Lillard’s night are available below.

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James Harden Rumored To Be Eyeing A Rockets Reunion

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James Harden is a player who has bounced around the league quite a bit since 2020. After starting the 2020-2021 season with the Houston Rockets, Harden was subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets. From there, he lasted about a season and a half before going to the Philadelphia 76ers. Overall, Harden was going through a transitional period in his career. Having said that, it only made sense that he would want to explore a variety of teams.

At this point, Harden seems to be at home with the Sixers. He has been playing exceptionally well, and overall, the team is now third in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, they have a real chance to make some noise in the playoffs. Harden is older and wiser, meaning he could be able to shake off those demons from the playoffs’ past. At the end of the day, there are fewer expectations on him now, which could very well make it easier for him to get it done under pressure.

James Harden Moving On?

James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Moreover, this is also a big year for Harden because he can become a free agent at the end of the season. Now, reports are circulating that Harden may actually go back to the team where he had the most success. Yes, that’s right, a Harden-Rockets reunion may be on the horizon. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, even Houston is preparing for it to happen. “James Harden still spends a lot of time in Houston,” MacMahon said. “Spends his summers in Houston. Works out at the Rockets’ facility on a regular basis. It’s a very real possibility. And Harden, by the way, never shot it down. He just said ‘I don’t know where that came from.’”

These rumors have been circulating since around Christmas time. However, it is hard to see why Harden would want to go back there given the fact that the Rockets are terrible right now. Their young stars are playing losing basketball and they are the worst team in the league. That said, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the NBA world. Additionally, let us know what you think Harden should do, in the comments down below.

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John Wall Traded Back To The Rockets: Details

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Just a few months ago, John Wall was finding himself with some issues within the Houston Rockets organization. Overall, it was clear that he didn’t really want to be there. The team was going with a much younger group of players, and at the end of the day, Wall got the short end. In the media, Wall was very adamant that his time with the Rockets was “beyond trash.” Furthermore, he noted that he would never want to play for an organization like that again.

In the off-season, Wall was able to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. This made him the starting point guard for players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, Wall hasn’t been playing all that well. Subsequently, the Los Angeles Clippers have been looking for a way to get rid of Wall. There has been speculation that he would either be traded or be bought out entirely. Well, today is the trade deadline and it seems like the Clippers have found a trade suitor.

John Wall Back To Houston

Unfortunately, for John Wall, that trade suitor just so happens to be the Houston Rockets. This trade involves three teams, including the Clippers, the Rockets, and the Memphis Grizzlies. This was a deal that they had been looking to make for a while, and while they aren’t getting a huge return for John Wall, they can now go out and pursue a new point guard. There have been numerous reports suggesting that they would go after Russell Westbrook. Russ is currently on the Jazz, although they would rather just buy out his contract. Having said that, Westbrook could prove to be a great fit for that team.

Overall, this is a very sad situation for Wall whose future is now up in the air. He certainly won’t be happy to find himself back in Houston. Overall, it remains to be seen what he is going to do next. Hopefully, Wall finds a new NBA home that isn’t Houston, sooner rather than later. Let us know what you think about this trade, down in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for all the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

SOURCE SPORTS: James Harden Considering a Return to the Houston Rockets

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SOURCE SPORTS: James Harden Tells 76ers to Build Team and Give Him "Whatever is Left" in New Contract

Could James Harden’s time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers be coming to a close? In a Christmas Woj bomb, Harden was stated to “seriously considering a return” to the Rockets.

“Harden and his inner circle have been openly weighing Houston in recent months, sources said, a remarkable possibility given that he requested and received a trade out of the franchise less than two years ago,” Woj stated.

In those years he has been gone, Harden played for the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. In order for Harden to make that return, he would have to deny the player option for $35.6 million on his 2023-24 season contract.

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James Harden Reportedly Eyeing Return To The Houston Rockets

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James Harden is certainly no stranger when it comes to being entangled in NBA rumors. Since joining the league as a rookie in 2009, he’s played for four different teams.

A shocking report on Monday (December 25) reveals that he could be wanting to play for one of his old squads again.

James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter atori at Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, the current 76ers shooting guard might be eyeing a return to the Houston Rockets. However, this would only be if he enters free agency this summer.

His current two-year contract with the Sixers contains a player option for the 2023-24 season. If he chooses to take it, he will subsequently become a free agent.

The interesting part is that his present stint with Philadelphia began just shy of two years ago, shortly after he requested a trade out of Houston. The Rockets traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-player deal in January, 2021. It reunited him with his former OKC teammate, Kevin Durant. Only a month later though, the world was witness to the Sixers and Nets swapping superstars Harden and Ben Simmons in a blockbuster trade.

Regardless of the new development, the 33-year-old was certainly gelling with his current team on Sunday (December 25). He put up 29 points and 13 assists in Philadelphia’s 119-112 win over the New York Knicks. The game served as the league’s first of five Christmas Day match-ups.

Furthermore, the All-Star guard seems to not be paying the reports too much attention. “I’m here. We are playing very well and I don’t know where the report came from, but I’m very excited to be here. We are playing well, and we’re continuing to get getter,” he told reporters following the win.

It will certainly be interesting to see how all of this unfolds during the off-season. For now, Philadelphia is enjoying an eight-game winning streak.

Could you see Harden back in a Rockets jersey? If so, who do you think they’d have to give up in a trade to get him? Sound off in the comments down below. Finally, make sure to check out our newest holiday-themed playlist here.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Orlando Magic Selects Duke’s Paolo Banchero with No. 1 Pick

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Leading up to the NBA Draft, it was believed the Orlando Magic would use the No. 1 pick to pick Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn. Instead, they swerved the basketball world and selected Paolo Banchero of Duke.

The No. 2 pick, going to the Oklahoma City Thunder, was Gonzaga Center Chet Holmgren, and Smith Jr. would fall to the Houston Rockets at no. 3.

“I had a feeling, from the information I was being told, that it was just kind of up in the air,” Banchero said to ESPN. “Orlando wasn’t really sure yet, and just to be ready for whatever.

“I didn’t find out, though, that I was actually getting picked until about 20 seconds before the commissioner got on the stage. I didn’t even have time to really think about it or anything. It just kind of happened. I can’t believe it, but I’m ready. I’m ready.”

During his final season at Duke, Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He now joins a young core that features Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. All players, except Carter Jr., were drafted by the Magic.

To round out the top five, The Sacramento Kings drafted Keegan Murray, and Detroit added Purdue guard Jaden Ivey to their young core.

There were plenty of Draft Night trades. The New York Knicks sent Kemba Walker to the Detroit Pistons, who are expected to buy the guard out. The Philadelphia 76ers traded Danny Green and the No. 23 pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for De’Anthony Melton.

You can get a full recap of the NBA Draft here.

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