NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Are Rockets Trading Jeremy Lin, Francisco Garcia for Raptors Kyle Lowry?
Jeremy Lin trade rumors continue to intensify as the Feb. 20 trade deadline draws near.
According to latest buzz on the trading frontline, the Houston Rockets are reportedly considering packaging Lin and Francisco Garcia to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for point guard Kyle Lowry, multiple sources reported on Thursday.
The Rockets are once again at the forefront of trade speculation as the trade window comes down to its final three weeks. With the emergence of Terrence Jones as a reliable power forward, the Rockets have shifted their focus to improving their backcourt, particularly the point guard position.
The Raptors have already shown interest in trading Lowry despite the production he put up this season. Lowry is averaging 16.4 points and 7.5 assists per game for the Raptors, who have become a force in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
"Kyle Lowry has been at the center of trade rumors, even though he's been one of the bigger surprises this year. The point guard has helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the third-best record in the Eastern Conference," International Business Times correspondent Anthony Riccobono reported.
However, many NBA analysts believe the Raptors are still willing to move Lowry because they are aware their roster isn't good enough to contend against the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat this season.
"Marc Stein of ESPN reports that it appears the Raptors want to deal Lowry so they don't lose him for nothing in the offseason. He's on the final year of his contract and Toronto isn't likely to re-sign him," IBT reported.
Lin is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game in a sixth man role for the Rockets this season. With Patrick Beverley returning from a hand injury, Lin saw his playing time decline. On the other hand, Garcia averaged 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in much lesser role off the bench.
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Rockets might package Garcia and Lin for a chance to land Lowry before the trade deadline.
If they get Lowry, the Rockets will further strengthen their backcourt rotation with James Harden, Patrick Beverley, Lowry and Aaron Brooks on their depth chart. The Raptors, on the other hand, will get Lin and Garcia, two solid veterans who can thrive in Dwyane Casey's offense.