Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE
The Houston Rockets have added another asset, sending forward Chase Budinger to the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with the rights to Lior Eliyahu in exchange for the 18th overall pick in Thursday’s draft.
Jonathan Givony of Draft Express was the first to report the deal.
Despite the fact that one source said there was “no chance” Howard would re-up with the Rockets if he was dealt there, they continue to pursue him.
Houston, which now holds the 14th, 16th, and 18th pick, plus Kyle Lowry and the expiring contract of Samuel Dalmbert, is aiming to move up in the draft, potentially acquiring the fifth pick from Sacramento and the eighth pick from Toronto.
Givony also reports Houston has offered Lowry and the 14th and 16th picks to Sacramento in exchange for the fifth pick and guard Tyreke Evans.
Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated has since refuted that report.
(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger, ESPN Florida’s Magic Insider (http://ESPNFlorida.com) and is the co-host of the ESPNFlorida.com Insiders Show Sunday mornings at 10:00 am EST. Subscribe to his RSS feed, add him on Facebook and follow him onTwitter to follow him daily. You can download the HTD app here)
Topics: Chase Budinger, Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets, Kyle Lowry, Lior Eliyahu, Tyreke Evans
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