Knowing what we know now about this Rockets team sitting 2nd in the West yet with a win-now Coach and still behind the top tier teams like OKC, Cleveland, and Boston, I assume there will likely be a high impact trade before the deadline. But the Rockets current and very telling sample size may indicate smaller trade stakes than the beginning of the season. I think the following players are most likely to be trade candidates in this order and in some combination of picks: Jabari Jae’Sean Cam Jock Jeff Green Dillon Fred Reed Untouchables: Alpi Amen Jalen Tari
My guess - and that is all it is......is Sengun. I don't think he will ever be great on D, and that even though the Rox are good with him, I think they might be even better with a "Clint Capella" like player at the Center position, a shot blocking, rim running athletic big - which unlocks the speed of our team. DD
He asked who you think is most likely to be traded. He didn’t ask for your antiquated “Bruno over Sengun” analysis. The idea the Rockets would ever trade Sengun is laughable.
The most likely to be traded are the dead weight expiring contracts, Tate, Jock, Jeff Green, and Holiday. The next tier is Cam by himself due to him being unhappy with his role if that's the case. The next tier is the "make space for Amen" group of either Dillon Brooks or Jabari Smith. The next tier is the "If the Warriors want to trade Curry" tier, which isn't happening, but it would mean FVV goes. No one else is likely to be moved.
This wing commander twin combo is better than some rim protecting stiff, Sengün is mobile if he sheds a few pounds, we have seen last year. It is the best of both worlds, and dude is only 22. It is not the full max however, easily tradeable. Nobody wants that here.
I think, of our prospects, the only one who may be traded is Cam, and I'd say the chances of that happening are very low. I could see the Rockets making some minor moves with some second round picks, such as shoring up the backup PG position. While I do love Adams, it wouldn't surprise me if the traded him towards a younger backup center. But, I could also see the Rockets doing nothing, and I would be totally fine with that.
Easily Brooks. Great player but doesn't fit where we're headed (fast pace). He's a poor rebounder and bad in transition. He seems to shoot better when we play slower, which is not good for us. Amen is one of our best players and starting at his position, outplaying him easily. Brooks feels like more of a situational player now, you should only play him when Sengun/FVV are running the PnR so that there are slow kick outs available for Brooks in the halfcourt. When we're running, he can't even outrun 4's most of the time. We need Jabari at the 4/5 with his size, dynamic skills, two way game and improving 3PT shot. We need FVV's off ball shooting, defense on smaller/quicker players, safe hands at times. Sengun/Amen/Green are the core. The other young guys have time on their deals. It's always been Brooks. He's just honestly such a G showing up in the best shape of his life with his jumper improved. Setting the culture. You can't fault him, he's outperformed his contract even. Amen can set the culture now though, that's a better culture. Functional in-game intensity. Jabari has to start, it's inevitable let's not waste time. Between Brooks and FVV if we had to trade one, it's got to be Brooks. We need to attach a couple of 2nd rounders to him and get a 6th man of the year candidate at the 4/5. Alternatively get a mediocre backup and stash a pick. With Adams/Jabari/Amen/Tari/FVV around there's not really a situation he'd be the best defender on any particular player and that's only because we're really really good. When Jabari is back, his time is up imo. We always knew this day would come and it will never feel right to do, but the kids have grown up. Let's do it gracefully.
Landale Holiday Tate Cam Adams Reed Are the only players that even a have a remote possibility of being traded this season. For Cam and Reed it would have to be a star win now player in return. The others guys could be packaged for a solid role player.
You don't think Brooks could be our sixth man of the year candidate? Him and Eason off the bench would wreck stuff.
No chance he's fine with that role and no chance Ime makes his best friend come off the bench....at least not this year.
He could be but he wouldn't be the right type for us specifically. I wouldn't be totally opposed to it if he agreed. However, with our team in such desperate need of 3's it would be great to fill that spot with someone who defenses are really worried about at the 3PT line. Preferably a stretch 5 because they disrupt things most, drawing the opposing rim protector out of the paint completely. A high scoring big that can shoot type of player is what's needed most, if they're less than ideal defenders we can always protect them with Tate/Amen/Jabari and Tari. We employ this strategy for Sengun, can easily apply it in the second unit. We have an opportunity sitting in 2nd seed with 6th hardest schedule remaining. If we bolster our team without touching the Core 7, we could secure home court advantage and a longer playoff experience for these kids. I was also doing a little research on Nate Williams and to be honest I would love to give him a try as 3rd string SF behind Amen and Tari (ahead of Tate). His 3PT shot is looking improved and seems to have a nice overall two way game otherwise. Might be a good project and depth piece.
If I'm Rafael, I tell everyone to not interrupt me until I'm done with my morning cardio, if you know what I mean. Then trade, Holiday to Boston for nothing. Landale to the Knicks for nothing. I want them in successful situations. oops I traded the only pg that can give FVV five minutes of rest. Reed back in the scraps rotation.
Cam, Tate and Holiday are in the rotation. Reed isn’t ready Holiday is playing great. Tate steps in with great D and energy for any wing injuries. Cam is contributing and has real potential without too much trade value. Landale and or Jeff, and 2nds for a depth upgrade like Brogdon or Rob Williams
