I wouldn't mind trading down to around #20 and picking up Larry Sanders. I really like what I've been reading about this kid.
This is maybe the best idea I've seen on this thread, followed by the idea of trading with OKC or Minnesota. For those who think there's no way the Rockets trade down in the draft, Morey has already said that there's a 50% chance that the Rockets EITHER trade up OR DOWN in the draft. So, I'm going to go ahead and believe what the actual GM of the team says. I don't think such a statement qualifies as "pre-draft mind games", since there is no benefit to him in making that statement other than to let other teams know that the Rockets are open to trading the pick. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing the Rockets trade down a few spots in the draft in exchange for the lower pick (in the 18 to 22 range?) and a FUTURE first round pick. Of course, if there's a guy there at #14 who Morey loves and thinks will be gone in the next couple of picks, then Morey should just use the pick and take the guy. Short of that, though, a trade down for a future pick is in line with the Rockets current team situation: (1) The Rockets currently have a ton of players under contract: As others have said, there is little incentive for the Rockets to draft multiple players in this year's draft (unless it's a second rounder used to draft a foreign player to stash overseas). Therefore, if the Rockets are going to trade down, better to get a FUTURE asset as the extra benefit of the bargain. (2) Morey has already stated that the guy taken at #14 would likely not even play next year: While this may partially be a product of the fact that Morey may be able to get a "high ceiling", raw player at #14 who is typically not available later in an NBA Draft. But with the current Rockets roster, there is just no room for a rookie to crack the rotation. (3) Morey is still "compiling assets" for trades, both this summer and up to the February 2011 trade deadline: As others have pointed out, the allure of a draft pick is better when the team acquiring the pick can make the selection. Once the pick is used on a player, some of the luster is lost. Yet another 2011 first rounder would be terrific bait to add to a Bosh sign-and-trade and to trades during the season. (4) If Morey plays his cards right and is patient, that future pick could be VERY good: Much like Phoenix did in 2004 and like Detroit did in 1998(?), the Rockets could trade for a future draft pick with heavy protections that eventually run out. As the Knicks (this year) and the Grizzlies (in 2003) found out, that cost them dearly. While fans would have to wait around several years, the Rockets could possibly end up getting a top 5 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Not a bad return for trading down a handful of spots this year. I'm just saying.
If Morey does decide to trade down, it would probably be with Minnesota taking the 14th + ? for #16 and #23. Maybe Memphis taking #14 + ? for #12 and #25.
