Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Rodney Hood might on the move earlier than expected.
According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, the Philadelphia 76ers have some interest in Hood:
“It’s hard to imagine either Rodney Hood or Alec Burks being on the team following the Feb. 7 deadline. Both have smaller, expiring contracts. I’ve heard Burks is already drawing interest, with the Boston Celtics and injury-plagued Denver Nuggets among the teams mentioned. The Philadelphia 76ers are said to be among those with an interest in Hood.”
Hood, 26, will be an unrestricted free agent in July. While the 6-foot-6 guard could have signed a lengthier deal with the Cavs last summer, he opted to stick around for one more year in order to showcase his improved play. If Hood shows stellar play by the end of the season, the Cavs would feel more comfortable committing more money to him.
So far, the five-year pro is recording 12.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. Although those stats are decent, they’re not the type of numbers Hood was putting up in the past. Before the Duke University product was dealt to the Cavs last February, Hood was averaging a career-high 16.8 points with the Utah Jazz during the 2017-18 season.
If the veteran were to be shipped again, Philadelphia would be an attractive destination. Now that the Sixers have added All-Star Jimmy Butler, the team is surely competing for a championship. While Hood wouldn’t have much offensive freedom in Philadelphia, the guard would be a formidable scorer off the bench and see his production contribute to meaningful success.
