Ty Lawson, While in Rehab for Alcohol, Has Been Traded to Houston

While he was at an alcohol treatment center, point guard Ty Lawson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Houston Rockets, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.

The deal which the Rockets will receive a future second-round pick (2017) along with Lawson in exchange for Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni, Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson and a protected first round pick (2016) to Denver. Beverly was signed to a four-year $25 million deal to stay in Houston during the off-season. Following Lawson’s second arrest for DUI in the past six months, the interest in him by other teams in the league become almost non-existent, said league sources. The Rockets get a borderline All-Star talent with Lawson who could be a difference-maker in getting them over the top in the Western Conference.

Ty Lawson has bigger things to worry about than basketball.

As for the Nuggets, this is officially the start of a rebuild as the pressure is now on Emmanuel Mudiay to perform well, and there is already talk of him being favorite to win Rookie of the Year.

The 27-year-old averaged 15.2 points and a career-best 9.6 assists in 2014-15.

Secondly, and most importantly, Houston may be one of the best possible fits for Lawson in terms of turning his life around. He will suit the Rockets up-tempo style of play. The offensive firepower alone will be enough to get the Rockets back to the playoffs – though their backcourt defense will be a glaring weakness.

Lawson also needs distance from what one person close to him described as a troubled relationship with reality TV actor Ashley Pettiford, with whom he has a daughter. The Nuggets front office likely wanted Lawson out, and weren’t too concerned with the assets they received in return.

The Rockets gave up very little of value for Lawson.

So while the Nuggets look mostly like last season, possibly weaker (might still be trying to trade Danilo Gallinari), it’s not that they mind.

It’s not like the Rockets aren’t used to picking up players who’ve had issues with their previous team: see Josh Smith.