Rockets Drawing Trade Interest in Knicks' Sharpshooter Quentin Grimes?
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets are two games under .500 (19-21) following a disappointing six-game road trip. Several factors played a significant role in the Rockets' struggles, but none more so than their subpar 3-point shooting.
They shot a league-low 27.6 percent from behind the arc over the previous six games. As a result, the Rockets finished their road trip with a 1-5 record. However, Houston could improve their shooting before the NBA's trade deadline on Feb. 8.
According to NBA Insider Ian Begley, the Rockets are one of several teams trying to land New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes. Other teams besides the Rockets interested in landing Grimes are the Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies.
Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
"I don’t know if the Knicks will ultimately pull the trigger on a deal involving Grimes, but he has value on the market, and it may be in both parties’ best interest to find a trade. One of the Knicks’ objectives at the deadline is to bolster their bench, and Grimes is one of the most valuable trade-eligible players on their roster." — per Begley.
Grimes is a former University of Houston prospect who will help improve the Rockets' subpar 3-point shooting. He has averaged 6.9 points amid the limited minutes played within coach Tom Thibodeau's heavy guard rotation.
But despite averaging 19.7 minutes, Grimes continues to display his potential to develop into one of the league's best 3-point shooters. The 23-year-old guard has shot 38.3 percent in his career. Grimes has had several games this season where he finished with three or more triples made.
His best shooting performance of the season came during the Knicks' 136-130 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Grimes scored 19 points on 5 of 7 shooting from behind the arc in the win.
The Rockets are in the bottom half of the league in three-point shooting. Through the first 40 games, Houston has shot 35.6 percent from deep. If general manager Rafael Stone wins the bidding war for Grimes, the move would also add to the Rockets' impressive young core.
