Nets Small Forward Chase Budinger Signs with Houston Rockets
Nets Lose Depth
Budinger Inks 3-Year, $15 Million Deal
The Brooklyn Nets have traded small forward Chase Budinger to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a future second-round pick. Budinger, 27, averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Nets last season. He is a career 43.5% shooter from the field and 38.5% shooter from three-point range.
The Rockets are in need of depth at small forward after losing Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards in free agency. Budinger is expected to start for the Rockets and provide them with a versatile scoring option. He can also play shooting guard and power forward.
The Nets are now without a clear-cut starting small forward. They could move Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to the position, but he is more natural at shooting guard. They could also sign a free agent, but there are not many options available at this point in the offseason.
The trade is a good move for both teams. The Rockets get a solid player who can help them compete for a playoff spot. The Nets get a future asset and clear some cap space.
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