Despite a modest 22-24 record that places them 11th in the West, the Rockets are motivated to be buyers on the trade market at next week’s deadline and will be seeking high-level talent, according to Kelly Iko, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
As The Athletic’s trio explains, the presence of new head coach Ime Udoka – and his strong influence with the team’s top decision-makers – has contributed to an acceleration of the Rockets’ timeline. Udoka has been frustrated by the team’s “inconsistencies” and is determined to make the postseason, and his level of urgency has helped convince the front office to adjust its expectations for the club and its strategy on the trade market.
The Rockets’ interest in Nets forward Mikal Bridges, reported earlier today by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, is one example of the club’s pursuit of impact players. The Athletic’s reporters confirm that Houston’s level of interest in Bridges is “extremely high,” but echo Scotto in saying that Brooklyn continues to view the 27-year-old as a cornerstone piece and has no interest in moving him.
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- Houston also continues to scour the trade market for more frontcourt help, with Kelly Olynyk (Jazz), Clint Capela (Hawks), Andre Drummond (Bulls), and Robert Williams (Trail Blazers) among the big men on the team’s radar, per Iko, Charania, and Amick. Udoka would like to find a center capable of not only manning the position when Alperen Sengun is on the bench but also potentially playing alongside Sengun, like Williams and Al Horford did during Udoka’s time in Boston.
- While the Rockets will likely look to package draft capital with expiring or pseudo-expiring contracts like those belonging to Victor Oladipo, Jock Landale, and Boban Marjanovic, they also view forward Jae’Sean Tate as “movable,” according to The Athletic’s report. League sources tell The Athletic that the Celtics and Suns have shown some level of interest in Tate.
- A ball-handler who can defend would also be on the Rockets’ wish list, league sources tell The Athletic’s trio, who mention Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon as one player who fits the bill. However, Houston isn’t eager to cut into Cam Whitmore‘s or Amen Thompson‘s minutes, which may affect the club’s aggressiveness in pursuing backcourt help.
- Whitmore and Thompson are considered off-limits in most trade talks, according to Iko, Charania, and Amick, who say the Rockets aren’t interested in moving Jabari Smith or Tari Eason either. Jalen Green is also in that group of young players Houston would be very reluctant to trade, though The Athletic’s reporters suggest he’s not necessarily viewed as untouchable like he would’ve been a year or two ago, with Sengun having overtaken him as the player prioritized in the Rockets’ schemes. It sounds as if Houston won’t move any of its young core players in a deal for a mere rotation upgrade, but would consider including one in a package for a star.
Everything listed above seems like a smart gameplan for Houston. Now, more importantly, let’s see if they can pull something off.
If Green was more consistent and a but more efficient, he’d be a heck of a player, but he still has quite a few mental lapses with his decisions he makes.
He has all the talent in the world, but I’m not sure he will ever realize it unless he works on his shot selection and decision making with the ball in his hands.
There are easily some upgrades they could make to their rotations, but it is still tough when you’re dealing with alot of young players who still possess potential and upside.
It’ll be interesting to see how they choose to upgrade their roster, and to see which players/assets they ultimately choose to keep and/or trade.
The Rockets are interested in people but don’t want to trade anyone. Interesting
They want to trade picks attached to expiring contracts to improve the current roster, (IE:teams who are rebuilding), pretty common practice
If someone wants to overpay for Bridges, I’d let them. After a honeymoon period where he had a 21 PER, he has come back to earth with a still respectable but far from superstar 16.
He’s just not a #1 offensively on a playoff team. But a strong two-way #2 is still extremely valuable.
Agreed. Every team would want him depending on cost but he’s going to cost huge money soon
NBA average:
Field Goal 47%,
3-point FG 37%
Offensive Stats Comparison
Bridges: 46%, 36%
Green, 41%, 32% (efficiency far below average)
Bridges: 22, 5, 4
Jalen Green: 18, 5, 3
This is a great trade idea for Rockets
Rockets have 2028 unprotected First and 2030 unprotected First available for trade
Unprotected Firsts are handsome?
Defense is a thing you know, and there is no comparison between them on that side of the ball. I can’t imagine Green has much value around the league right now.
Seems more like Udoka ego. Than transforming the Rockets. Hasn’t even been there a yr. Coach this team up. Get the value if all your players up. See who really is the future here. Then start with the draft next yr. To upgrade this team. Then go for the playoffs.
Rockets are not getting rid of Jalen, Jabari, Tari, Whitmore or Thompson. They can dump Oladipo, Landale, Tate, Bullock.
i would hate to see Boban gone. But would understand. Just love something about him.
I love all that they have looked at. Would take something really good for Bridges. Not sure on Capella back. But will be interesting. Sengun does need help and more. Seen him slipping way too much. Ever since that week he got player of the week nods. But will be interesting. Will they upgrade and perhaps make a run for a play in spot.