Brian Windhorst: Rockets armed and ready to make deal for another star

If they want to win now and think there is an opportunity to get another elite player they will do it. I don’t necessarily agree with this approach but im sure Rockets brass have discussed this scenario. And likely have already made their decision whatever it is.

They possibly think that this Rockets team wasn’t good enough to win with that personnel and style. Which is why it’s possible they might want to revamp the roster perhaps with Amen Giannis and Durant as their big 3. Perhaps one of tari or Bari left and fred. Roster would be decimated hopefully they have a plan to fill those gaps.

All this is hypothetical of course

 

Giannis is 30

 

Whatever Hannah has done, she at least looks like a normal human being. Rather than the real life AI rendered looking plastic form Gwen Stefanis that we have now.

 

And that link is from a May 17th article. Kind of a lot has changed since then....like Jalen's already gone, we have Durantula, the Finals ended, many other trades, etc, etc

 

City miles, though, not highway

 

I always assumed Harden would return on a team friendly contract once the Rockets were in a position to not really rely on him much, I wonder if they give the KD + Harden combo one more try. The roster is a lot better than anything Brooklyn was going to put together. The risk seems worth the reward. Increasing your risk profile for a shot at winning it all next year, worst case you dont win and lost FVV.

 

Damn, Hannah is looking mighty fine for a 63-year-old.

 

I doubt any trades are coming unless Luka Doncic becomes available at the deadline.

 

Gross.

I cannot for the life of me understand why so many Rockets fans or so hung up on bringing Harden back. It’s like trying to get back with an ex who left you in a messy way several years later. Have some self respect and move on.

Our young dudes need more opportunities and the ball in their hands more. They don’t need James running the show. That ship has sailed.

 

Still want some shooters Finals are gone

 

I'm not in the mix to sell our farm for Giannis.

Our young core with Durant has potential to be championship worthy. Im interested to see Sengun, Jabari, Amen Tari, Cam, Reed to develop with increasing exposure in playing with Durant and filling the void left by Green and Brooks.

 

Trading for Giannis would be a stupid trade that shortens our window. Durant will be about completely wound down just about the time Alpi and Amen hit their prime. KD lifts them up in the mean time. We are currently sitting with a 12+ year window after the KD trade. Trading for Giannis would shorten that window to 3-4 years given his age and complete reliance on athleticism. Stone is smart enough to not make such a dumb trade.

 

It would likely be Sengun, Vanvleet (for matching money), 2027 first round pick, 2029 both picks, and perhaps a draft swap in 2028 and/or 2030. But if this becomes a bidding war, and other teams are throwing the farm at the Bucks, the Rockets may need to include a package from within (Jabari, Reed, Cam, Tari).

I am not a fan of giving up a promising rebuilding effort. But it seems the Rockets are putting themselves in a position to cash in some of their blue chips assets for an MVP in Giannis.

Nevertheless if the Rockets can guarantee themselves at least two titles in their master plan of pairing Giannis with Durant…. Well then me and all the naysayers will be proven wrong.


I can see the logic of wanting the following lineup.

Giannis (C/PF)
Jabari (PF/C)
Durant
Thompson
Reed

That would be a very interesting lineup. Two defensive MVP level players in Giannis and Amen. Three dead eye sharp shooters in Jabari, Durant, and Reed. Jabari is a much better shooter than he’s shown, and I anticipate he will be a consistent 40% 3 point shooter sooner rather than later. Reed Sheppard I think will be a mid 40% 3 point shooter, and with Amen helping him bring up the basketball at times, can switch to off guard depending on the play.

 

Y’all really testing the depths of Fertitta Pockets.

 

We don’t need another mega star. One thing OKC and pacers are proving is depth matters. Fill the voids on your team . We need backcourt help. We don’t need to focus on the front court anymore.

 

Go eat at Landrys!

 

I know everyone is talking about Giannis and Jaylen Brown, but I'm interested in a different Celtic: Derrick White.

He's only 30 and coming off a 16/5/5 season. He's posted excellent efficiency with well above average shooting. He's more of a combo guard, but he'd be an excellent backcourt complement to Amen. And his contract is pretty nice. He's locked into 4 more years with an AAV under $30M. Defensively, he immediately slots in as our second best perimeter defender.

I see very few cons in adding him, and I think he's an upgrade over Fred in so many different ways. I think Boston would much rather keep him, but with no Tatum next year, I have to think he's available at the right price. I wouldn't spend every asset, but I'd be willing to move some combination of Bari, Tari, Reed and/or Cam plus salary filler and 1-2 firsts for him in a heartbeat.

 

A little late to the game….Giannis is staying in Milwaukee.

 

He's said he's willing to pay if its worth it. I mean he ain't doing it for an Ariza but I think he would for Giannis. He didnt cheap on Green and Sengun, brought in Brooks and some might say he's gonna overpay Fred

 

I still can't get used to her without the red fro.