We are inching towards the new year, which means that the NBA is entering that prime time of the season where trade rumors start flying around.
Stars like Kevin Love have already grown accustomed to hearing their names involved in trade talks, but role players are more commonly involved.
Minnesota Timberwolves wing Robert Covington could be a potential trade target given his 3-and-D style as well as the affordability of his contract over the course of the next two years (just $25 million combined).
Indeed, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported that the Houston Rockets are among the teams interested in adding Covington, and that list could grow come February.
Minnesota's determination to trade Covington may rest on their playoff hopes, but they are currently out of the playoff picture and need assets for the future to surround Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.
Here are three teams that should trade for Robert Covington should he become readily available:
3. Houston Rockets
Let's start with the Rockets off the top, shall we?
This season has been a grind despite the herculean efforts of James Harden, mostly because the Rockets have not been as efficient from the perimeter. Houston ranks first in three-point attempts and three-pointers made, but they rank just 25th in three-point average at 34.1 percent. The Rockets also rank 15th in defensive rating and 24th in opponents scoring average, according to Basketball Reference.
While Daniel House has been a revelation on the wing, Eric Gordon was a massive disappointment even before he underwent knee surgery, shooting the three at a 28 percent clip.
Meanwhile, Covington is shooting at nearly a 37 percent clip, and he would add floor spacing for Harden and Russell Westbrook while also taking some of the pressure off of P.J. Tucker from a rebounding perspective.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Sure, the Lakers are pretty dominant already, boasting a 21-3 record (entering play on Wednesday) to pace the NBA. But Covington would be a good fit.
He is a lengthy defender in a similar vein to Danny Green, and he would be an upgrade over Avery Bradley because of his ability to shoot and rebound. The Lakers could go big by running more lineups with LeBron, Green and Covington all on the floor, flanked by Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo or even another big.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it… unless the player is a perfect system fit. Covington could be just that in L.A.
1. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are in a sticky situation from a financial standpoint, but they are also desperate to get back into playoff position. So, Covington might be the perfect buy.
Tony Snell has been an effective role player, but is he really the kind of guy that you want playing over 25 minutes per night? Covington would be an upgrade at small forward because he impacts the game in a variety of ways.
Not to mention, the Pistons might have the best package to offer in terms of future draft picks. The only question is, will Detroit be buyers or sellers come February?
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