Rockets trade K.J. McDaniels to Brooklyn

The Rockets have made another trade on deadline day, sending K.J. McDaniels to the Brooklyn Nets, as first reported by Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Rockets simply send McDaniels and his $3.3 million salary to Brooklyn, getting nothing of significance back. They are unloading salary to create roster spots and position themselves to spend money in the buyout market that will begin once the deadline passes.

For example, Andrew Bogut, who was just traded from Dallas to Philly, is expected to be bought out by the Sixers. The Rockets will likely be looking for a defensive wing, but they’re not going to be picky when talented players can be scooped up relatively cheaply after the deadline.

McDaniels, who interestingly was acquired by the Rockets in a deadline-day deal in 2015, never could earn a rotation spot with the Rockets. Both Kevin McHale and Mike D’Antoni kept him nailed to the pine. D’Antoni gave him a big opportunity entering this season, looking for McDaniels to be his defensive stopper in the backcourt, but it never materialized. He will likely get a shot at some playing time with the Nets.