Inside The Rockets

Rockets Trade For Hawks' Cody Zeller

Atlanta Hawks center Cody Zeller is coming to the Houston Rockets.
Jeremy Brener|
Jan 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Cody Zeller (40) during warmups before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Cody Zeller (40) during warmups before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are making one last move in the minutes leading up to the trade deadline.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Rockets are acquiring veteran center Cody Zeller and a 2028 second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks.

The corresponding move for this trade has yet to be announced, which could result in the Rockets either waiving recent acquisition Jaden Springer or dealing another player, like Jock Landale.

Zeller, 32, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats and has enjoyed a long career in the league.

He played for the New Orleans Pelicans last season and was involved in the offseason deal that swapped Dyson Daniels and Dejounte Murray, but he has yet to suit up for Atlanta this season due to personal reasons.

With Zeller now on board, the Rockets will have to decide whether to waive Zeller or keep him on the roster. Chances are, the Rockets will waive him and open up a roster spot on the buyout market, which they can use to sign someone more apt to participate in Houston's late-season run.

While the NBA Trade Deadline is set for 2 p.m. CT, the Rockets will be back on the court tonight as they take on Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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