KOC: Rockets have had conversations with Memphis about trading down from #3

3 and van vleet for morant

 

I just want some guys who can put the ball in the hole consistently from deep.

 

Memphis is going to be a good team for the foreseeable future, so their FRP's are less valuable than, say, Chicago's, Portland's, or Charlotte's in the future. I might require a bit more than just an unprotected FRP from them, where I'd definitely do Caruso + 11 from Chicago or even Caruso + future FRP from them, which I'd actually prefer more than Caruso + 11.

 

So we think Reed Sheppard is the guy if the Rockets stay at 3, right?

How would everyone feel about this trade if it did happen, and Dalton Knecht is picked at 9?

You'd obviously do it more so for the other assets you're getting because it's not a guarantee Knecht would still be there at 9.

Think I'd still lean Sheppard. But I'd be curious to see the kind of return the Rockets could get for trading down from 3 to 9.

 

…that is…until the next wannabe gangbanger audition tape leaks.

 

Or you could grab Jared McCain at 9. He’s a helluva shooter too. Then Devin Carter also comes into play @ 9.

 

Yeah, I'm a Carter guy, no on Knecht. Comparable scoring output between those two but Carter is a beast of a defensive player while Knecht is just so-so.

 

Who is Memphis trading up for that they desperately want, that we would pass on?

Just thinking about who Memphis has on their team and their goals at this stage, my guess is that this would only be a draft day trade if Sarr or Risacher dropped to three. I could possibly see them liking Reed as well, but my guess would be the former two would be their targets.

Memphis is in win now mode and I doubt they would want to trade up for guys that can't contribute right away and may never be main contributors.

That said, I get the Rockets exploring all options...and if something too good to pass up comes along, go for it....but lets not overthink this. Take one of the top three players on your board.

 

Who knows if it’s true but reportedly Clingan. (Rumor has it Memphis, Portland, Chicago may want to trade up.)

 

This list is a bit like the Rocket's listing Tate, Landale, and Jeff as available assets to move up from 3 to 1. Sure it's pure delusion to think about Ja, Bane, JJJr, GG, but assets like one or two of - a future 1st, Smart, Clark, or V.Williams should be in play.

Kennard, Williams, Konchar, Aldama, LaRavia, Wantanabe, Rose are very hard to get excited about. If the Rockets are taking these guys back as the "asset" and try to call it a win, then it becomes clear this is a pure cap move of getting the cheaper contract at #9.

Kennard isn't a bad add at all, especially in place of a planned MLE to a guy like M.Beasley, but there's got to be something more coming with him.

Yeah, Carter, Ware, Edey, Collier, McCain, Missi, and Carrington come to mind as acceptable reaches at #9. At that spot in this draft, you pretty much got a pass to take the best prospect out of anybody who could go in the top 20. We could always pull a Wood/TyTy type of deal where we trade back multiple times.

 

They got Lively envy from the Mavs and covet Clingan. He's definitely the one they're gunning for.

 

They don’t have a center. They would be trading for Clingan if this is even true. I don’t believe anything in the media leading up to the draft. Hell, I don’t believe anything in the media that hasn’t happened in front of a camera.

 

Ahhhh...I forgot all about Clingan...

 

Smart and Kennard would be the targets. I don’t really want Smart (I like Brogdon or Caruso better), but if this is even remotely true, I think the Rockets are looking at #3, Landale and filler, for #9, Smart, Kennard and a highly protected future 1st.

 

Give them Jalen and 3 for Desmond Bane. Hes exactly what we need.

 

Then sir, I have some deep fakes for you.

 

Ha. Very true.

 

None of the above

 

Rockets: Bridges, Smart
Memphis: Brooks, Clingan at 3
Nets: 9th Pick, 2 Grizzlies 1sts, Houston 1st

*Nets get 4 1sts for Bridges, including their own 2025 Pick, so they can freely tank this year for Cooper Flag or whoever.

*Rockets get two elite Udoka guys without losing any of their core 6.

*Memphis gets DB back, and a franchise C.

Rockets:
Fred/Smart
JG/Cam
Bridges/Amen
Jabari/Tari
Alperen/Adams