NBA Trade Rumors: Darrun Hilliard traded to Rockets to help facilitate Chris Paul trade

Detroit Pistons reserve guard Darrun Hilliard has reportedly been traded to the Rockets, one of many Houston moves designed toward completing a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for superstar Chris Paul.

There is no indication of what is being sent Detroit’s way, but it will likely be a simple deal for cash considerations.

Hilliard’s $1.4 million salary is fully non-guaranteed if he is waived before July 1. Houston will use that $1.4 million to help match the salary needed to take in Paul’s $22.8 million contract.

Hilliard was drafted 38th overall in 2015 and while he has moments where he looks like he’ll be a contributor in the league he has never been able to cement a spot for himself in the rotation. With the drafting of Luke Kennard as a reserve shooting guard and a roster and cap crunch it became less and less likely Detroit would pick up Hilliard’s third-year option.

He averaged 3.6 points on 38.5 percent shooting in 9.9 minutes per game in two seasons with the Pistons.

The Pistons currently have 10 players under contract with cap holds on restricted free agents Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Bullock.

KCP was always more likely than not to return but there has been a big question mark about Bullock. He’s fought injuries throughout his career but can hit the 3-ball when he is healthy.

Bullock was recently suspended five games by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.