Basketball: Rockets to jettison Olajuwon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HAKEEM OLAJUWON, the Houston Rockets centre and 12 times an NBA All-Star player, could be traded to the Toronto Raptors for two players and two first-round draft picks.
Olajuwon, the Rockets' most celebrated player in a 15-year NBA career, led them to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Trades cannot be made until 1 August, so the Raptors would have to select players on the Rockets' behalf during today's NBA draft.
Houston would acquire the Raptors' two first-round selections, the fifth pick - acquired from Denver - and the 12th pick. The Raptors also would send former Rockets centre-forward Kevin Willis and Doug Christie to Houston.
The Rockets, who have the No 22 pick in the first round, hope to move up in the draft. The No. 5 pick would be the team's highest since they selected Olajuwon first overall in 1984.
By trading Olajuwon, Houston would begin rebuilding in the wake of consecutive first-round play-off defeats. The deal could affect Charles Barkley, who is considering retirement and said he wanted to return only if the Rockets were title contenders.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments