NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Waiving Former Top 10 Pick; Bucks And Lakers Lurking?

KEY POINTS

Ben McLemore likely to be picked up for added depth by any NBA team headed to the playoffs
McLemore could get more than spot minutes if he fits into system of new NBA team
Rockets continue to dismantle team with NBA season good as lost

The Houston Rockets know that their fate this 2020-21 NBA season does not look promising, and the best they can do is start preparing for the future. Several veterans have been dealt off, but it appears team owner Tilman Fertitta is not yet done.

Another name is set to hit the free-agent market with reports that Ben McLemore will be waived soon. Once that is done, the 7th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft already has a couple of suitors in waiting, some of which are “contenders,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported, citing unnamed sources.

It was not mentioned which teams may be planning to take a chance on the 28-year-old shooting guard. McLemore is only earning $2.283 million this season and holds a two-year deal with the Rockets.

To recall, a report from Kelly Iko of The Athletic earlier claimed that there was a chance McLemore would be on the move during the NBA trade deadline. It remains to be seen if these are the same teams that are interested in the former Kansas Jayhawks standout.

Once he is waived, McLemore will have to undergo a process before figuring out where he will play next. Under the NBA rules on waived players, teams can put in a claim on a player. That player can be assigned to the team with the lowest winning percentage.

If no NBA team makes a claim after 48 hours, McLemore automatically becomes a free agent and will become eligible to sign with any team. Among the teams which have open roster spots are the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks, among others.

There are other teams that are hoping to make a push, but if the “contender” tag is to be considered, these are the ones that could sign the 6-foot-3 cager.

McLemore is likely to come off the bench and provide quality minutes for any team that ends up with him. This season, he has averaged 7.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 16.8 minutes of action with Houston. He has played in 471 games in his NBA career, norming 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and an assist.