Through the first eighth of the season, the Houston Rockets are huddled up right in the thick of the Western Conference race. So far, the Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors have established themselves as the most formidable teams out west with a herd of eight other teams, including the Rockets, packed tightly together. Making any declarations on the ceiling of this years team may be premature, but give it another 10 games or so — about a quarter way through the season — and the true identities of the Rockets and the rest of the league will become much clearer. As for trade rumblings, the status quo remains. We know the Rockets are angling for a sizable trade at some point. Whether that will be this season, the offseason, or next season is still to be determined. For those that fall under the more patient side of the equation, the offseason would seem to be the most favorable option. It is only year two of the current configuration, the organization’s most familiar faces, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, just locked into extensions, and there’s plenty room for growth for the drafted players to be made that can't reasonably be expected to materialize in the immediate. On the opposite side of the spectrum, this is the NBA we’re talking about. It’s where anything can happen and where patience runs thin, quickly. If and when the next star becomes available, the Rockets will be at the forefront of trade talks as they are as well-equipped to pull off a blockbuster as any other top suitor is right now. However, that doesn’t mean the Rockets have to say yes to the first player that becomes available as All Stars aren’t built equally. So on one end, the timing of such a deal will depend on the level of talent, but in the meantime, Houston will continue to evaluate. The team is talented no doubt, but that doesn't mean everyone is a keeper. At this point, is it fair to say that the Rockets don't have a bonafide player that is off the table in any trade discussions? Amen Thompson would be the closet player to qualify to such a designation, but let’s see how the next few months play out. Therefore, the earliest that the Rockets should consider making any trade of significance is...the offseason. For one, Rafael Stone gets an extended view of how sustainable building around the current group will be, and who knows, that may show that improvements only need to be made around the edges rather than at the core of the team. Additionally, waiting until the offseason gives Houston, along with other trade partners, a cleaner hand to deal with. All cards will be on the table, meaning that even JG and Alpy could be the centerpiece of any outgoing deal. With poison pill provisions in place, attempting to make a trade sooner than later comes with more complications.
I would play the current core, get a good back up center, replace fvv with a cheaper veteran and try to figure out how to keep the current core together. I could get rid of Cam any day and the tough decision is what to do with Jabari. We might need an upgrade at this position and we'll probably know it by the end of the year.
Jabari and Green + picks for a superstar would rocket our team in the western conference. We don't have to rush though, this year we aren't likely to win the chip with so many stacked teams so we can keep developing Eason and Amen.
The worst thing Houston can do is look at the standings and make a “win now” trade before the season ends however I could see some value in a consolidation trade to free up rotation minutes because ultimately this season is about experimenting to find lineups, schemes, and playing styles that work for our team while scouting and aiding in the development of our players. The stakes are high but we really shouldn’t expect 50 wins or anything - just measure success in what we found out about our players this year.
Two weeks ago as I said. Price tag keeps going up Rockets need to stop listening to knuckleheads like @Joe Rocket and his but ma-age, is ma-age over 19. STFU
The real question is if he would even entertain coming to this team. He obviously wants to win another championship and we don't exactly have star power to help him do that. Why would he come here when he can go to a contender like Mavs/Suns/Cavs....etc
The favorite would have to be the Thunder. They have 20 first round picks to offer and they are really really good.
Yeah if he joins the Thunder I don’t see a world where they don’t go all the way. Giving Milwaukee 5 first rounders will help them reload and rebuild too.
Frankly, I’m not sure I’d want to make a major trade at the moment. Green, Sengun, Amen, and Eason look like an incredible core that can grow together. Maybe a minor trade here and there, but I’m leaning towards preserving our major assets unless there is a truly great deal that doesn’t involve one of those four.
I mean, you obviously don't think about trading a core player till things stagnate. If it doesn't stagnate, you don't make a deal. I'm in the minority that specifically wants an ageing superstar who has won a championship. Yes I want to trade a couple of good assets for just 2 years of that even if it doesn't guarantee a championship. I hope we keep Brooks and bring him off the bench, but I don't think he'd accept that. More likely, we ship him out before the deadline. Perfect time to get a draft asset and honestly he's just going to lose the minutes fair and square. Right now his offensive numbers are dipping and we need some more games to verify that Tari is healthy. On 15th December is when I think we will consider dealing him. What I want back for him is a mediocre pick or a good backup PF who can shoot. On FVV, I definitely want to keep him around. Would like to reduce his usage, 2PT shots and minutes.
We dont need a consolidation trade RN we dont even know what we have. Dyson Daniels for example was seen as a salary matcher and people were saying NO got Murray for nothing. Now he is balling and Hawks even have 2 picks in addition to him. My opinion is no trades until Amen is gonna need an extension.
First rounders are not all created equal. Most of okc’s picks are from either non- lottery teams or are highly protected. I think the Bucks will want high potential young players and potential lottery picks. Who would OkC want to give up from their core? I think Brooklyn is positioned the best as far as picks are concerned. They have 4 high value picks in 25 including the buck’s own pick. They don’t have much really good young talent, but 3 or 4 lottery picks in such a good draft would be pretty enticing. They could probably add another 3 more down the line. Hate to say it, but SA has a plethora of high value picks as well. A Wemby/Gianni’s combo would be pretty scary.
A good backup center? We have Steven Adams and Jock Landale. I'm not sure there is a team in the league that has two back up centers of that quality. And the good news on the Jabari situation is if we need to upgrade that position, we already have the guy. Tari Eason.
Now and for Myles Turner. Might be had for a pick and filler or filler and 1 young player (Cam?) in return. Pacers don't loose him for nothing and we have a chance a resigning I feel especially with Fred's club option which can hopefully be redone with a lower caphit extension. Doesn't get a lot of rebounds but that's because he's outside shooting 40% from 3. We would score 120 in our sleep.
