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With rumors that former Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni might be heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, would the Rockets benefit from such a move?
Mike D’Antoni had a successful four-year career with the Houston Rockets, finishing as the winningest coach in franchise history. D’Antoni abruptly decided to part ways with the Rockets after their Game 5 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving him and the Rockets looking for a replacement.
The D’Antoni market has been heating up as we have heard that it is connected to the work of the Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The latest reports suggest that the Sixers believe they are in the driver’s seat of D’Antoni’s services, which could be a positive for the Rockets, and especially in regards to them trading some of their assets.
D’Antoni was a great defender of Eric Gordon, so much so that he insisted on opening Gordon when he was clearly not completely healthy last season. Gordon could be the key to the Rockets acquiring a significant piece, as it is priced at $ 16.8 million next season, which is the first season to begin its maximum contract length.
D’Antoni was also a favorite of PJ Tucker, who is in the final season of his contract, which will expire when he turns 36. The Rockets could package Tucker, Gordon and Danuel House, which would generate an outgoing salary of $ 28.4 million, which would be enough to sign Joel Embiid from a financial standpoint.
How D’Antoni could help the Rockets land Embiid
Although it may seem like a pipe dream, there have been reports that the Sixers are preparing to trade all their greats, should they sign D’Antoni. Embiid has been in just three postseason games with the Sixers and never made the Eastern Conference Finals. To make matters worse, the Sixers are backing down, having just been swept in the first round during the 2020 playoffs.
The Rockets would likely have to find a third team to take on House’s contract, as D’Antoni made it clear that he did not believe in House’s abilities numerous times. Such a move would allow the Rockets to pair James Harden and Russell Westbrook with a two-time All-NBA player and a two-time All-Defensive team selection.
Also, Embiid just signed a contract extension and is under contract until the 2022-23 season, which is three more seasons. Sure, the Sixers may not want to part ways with Embiid and surely could find a better trade package than a Houston Rockets trade proposal, but Mike D’Antoni’s familiarity and comfort with Gordon and Tucker could make all the difference. for the Rockets. .
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