Houston Dynamo trade Fafa Picault for cash to Nashville SC

The Houston Dynamo FC finally rid themselves of Fafa Picault. On Wednesday afternoon, the team announced the move of Picault to Nashville SC. Houston will receive $50k each of the next two years ($100k guaranteed) and up to $150k in conditional 2024 GAM if certain performance metrics are achieved.

The move rid themselves of one of the franchises weakest players and offense stopping wingers. Although Picault netted seven goals on the season, he scored in just five of the 30 matches in which he appeared. Leading the team in offside calls, the 31 year old was whistled more than three times (23) his scoring out for being offside.

Houston general manager Pat Onstad cited roster changes for 2023 as the main impetus behind the move.

"We are making significant changes to the staff and roster this offseason as we look to field a more competitive team in 2023," Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said. "After meeting with Fafa at the end of the season, we decided that this move made sense for all parties. We appreciate everything Fafa has done for the club and we wish him the best moving forward."

With Picault's departure, Houston has opened up six roster spots with decisions yet to be made on Darwin Quintero, Memo Rodriguez, and Zeca. They have until November 14th to decide whether to let them go or keep them. Defender Sam Junqua was given a bona fide offer early in November but has yet to accept. His contract expires on December 31st. Midfielder Darwin Ceren is out of contract and was not offered. In addition prior to Olsen's announcement, the team announced the declination of options on Thiago, Marcelo Palomino, Zarek Valetin, Ian Hoffman and and Mateo Bajamich. They chose to exercise options on Corey Baird, Ethan Bartlow, Adam Lundvkist, and Griffin Dorsey.All these moves presumably with the okay from Olsen.

Where Houston goes from here, remains to be seen.