The Houston Rockets are finalizing a trade to send Robert Covington to the Portland Trail Blazers for Trevor Ariza, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Rockets will also receive a 2020 first round pick and a 2021 protected first round pick.
The deal can’t be finalized until after the Nov. 18 draft, Wojnarowski notes.
Last season, Covington, 29, averaged 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in 70 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Rockets.
He was dealt to the Rockets at last season’s trade deadline.
The fact that the Rockets are willing to deal Covington could be a signal that they don’t plan to “run it back” for next season, as their two stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook are hoping to be traded.
Ariza, 35, was also dealt at last season’s trade deadline from the Sacramento Kings to the Trail Blazers and averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game in 53 total games.
Ariza had his best season with the Rockets during the 2009-2010 season where he averaged 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
Covington and Ariza have similar salaries for the 2020-2021 NBA season, at $12.1 million and $12.8 million, respectively.
