NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets attempted to trade for Cavaliers Dean Wade before NBA Draft

The Houston Rockets made a significant attempt to acquire forward Dean Wade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the week between the NBA Draft and the start of free agency. According to reports, the Rockets were willing to offer Wade a full Mid-Level Exception (MLE) extension over the next few seasons, identical to the deal they ultimately gave Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Cavaliers rejected Houston's trade offer, valuing Wade as a rotation player. The Rockets were attracted to Wade's size, defensive versatility, and reliable outside shooting, even though his statistics (averaging 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 36.0% three-point shooting last season) were modest. His ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor, combined with his team-friendly $6.6 million salary for 2024-2025 (the final year of his contract), made him an appealing target before the Rockets pivoted to signing Finney-Smith.

This pursuit of Wade occurred amidst a busy Rockets offseason that included a major, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to trade for Kevin Durant and the successful free agency signing of Dorian Finney-Smith from the Lakers. Both teams ended up satisfied: Cleveland retained Wade, and Houston acquired Finney-Smith.