Petro isn't particularly coveted, and he stretches the definition of "impact player" too far. Nevertheless, I've heard his name come up in myriad scenarios. Why? The Nets need to clear him off their roster to make room for whomever they sign in free agency this summer, and they're willing to offer the Rockets' first-round pick that they have to the team willing to take him into their cap room.
His contract is 3.25 million this year and 3.5 million next year. That's not ideal, but I don't think it cuts into our cap space next season enough to cause problems. He fills our need for a backup in the short term and we pick up an extra pick.
The Houston pick is lottery protected every year through 2016 and if it hasn't been conveyed by then (i.e. if Houston is a lottery team every year until 2016) the pick just evaporates. Currently, Houston is 2 games up on their nearest playoff contender which is Minny and I don't think Minny is making a run without Rubio.
Let's grab a backup center and a pick unless someone wants to break down how making this deal makes it impossible for us to offer Gordon a max contract or ensure that we can hold onto Hibbert.
