In a blockbuster move that may signal the Houston Rockets finally beginning a full tear-down, the club has reportedly dealt star PG Kyle Lowry to the Toronto Raptors for at least one future first-round pick:
Just going up online and via SportsCenter: Sources tell ESPN that Raptors are on verge of acquiring Rockets guard Kyle Lowry via trade
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2012
Lowry, one of the NBA's most promising young PG's who is also signed to an incredibly reasonable contract, was the centerpiece of the Rockets team last year, but he demanded to be traded after his name repeatedly came up in trade rumors this off-season.
The move could be a signal that the Rockets are consigning themselves to rebuilding after spending the last three seasons at the very end of the lottery while trying to position themselves to acquire a star.
Gary Forbes, the only player they are receiving in the deal, was likely added strictly for salary cap reasons. A marginal 6'7 small forward, he'll have an uphill battle to even make Houston's roster.
With this deal, Houston might be able to find a star the old-fashioned way: at the top of the NBA Draft.
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