"Warriors should have done this with Kuminga" - NBA fans abuzz as Rockets trades Cam Whitmore to Eastern Conference rivals

On Saturday, the Houston Rockets reportedly shipped forward Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards in exchange for two second-round picks.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Houston worked with Whitmore over the past few weeks to find a new team. The ESPN analyst said the Rockets received several offers for the 6-foot-7 forward but ultimately decided to send Whitmore to the team that offered “a legitimate chance” for him to thrive.

NBA fans had mixed reactions to the trade. One fan called on the Golden State Warriors to do the same with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Golden State is exploring sign-and-trade options with the 22-year-old forward.

C-Train Station! Sports Commentary/Analysis

@ctrainstation

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I get it, for the Rockets.

Warriors should have done this with Kuminga.

#dubnation

Other fans didn’t like trading away Whitmore, who has shown flashes of offensive skill.

Chart Davidson

@ChartDavidson

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Another fat L for the Rockets. Imagine thinking adding Durant and trading away their your core will be a win this year?!?

Ryan Vickery

@RyanVickery75

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I’m disappointed Rockets are more than likely going to regret this in the future

GOWIE

@DaKidGowie

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Bittersweet move. I absolutely hate it for Houston, but love it for Cam Whitmore.

Meanwhile, some said the deal was a win for Washington, as Whitmore will thrive in an increased role.

Mob

@MobHoops

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That’s a steal for the Wizards

Dashy2™️

@Dashytwo

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He’s gonna thrive

Houston selected Whitmore as the 20th pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Last season, Whitmore averaged 9.4 points per game on 44.4% shooting. He played 16.2 minutes per game in 51 games. However, in Whitmore’s three starts, he averaged 25.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg on 58.0% shooting (54.5% from 3-point range).

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Kevin Durant trade to Rockets will be expanded to include seven teams: Report

NBA insider Shams Charania reported on June 22 that the Houston Rockets have acquired two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade. The Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach) and five second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns Suns.

The Athletic's Fred Katz reported Wednesday that the Durant trade will be expanded to include the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Katz wrote that the teams were still “ironing out” the details of the final framework as of Wednesday.

Katz added that one of the players who could be part of the seven-team trade is Clint Capela. At the start of free agency negotiations, Charania reported the 6-foot-10 big man agreed to a three-year, $21.5 million deal to return to Houston. Per Katz, Capela’s deal could become a sign-and-trade.

Houston has been active this offseason. They also added veteran wing Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year deal worth $53 million.