Fair point... I think they were trying to compete.... I mean the Leastern Conference is a thing I honestly believe when they (1) lost the #3 pick & (2) realized nobody was going to trade them another star (RN), they decided they had to go cold turkey (trade remaining good players to get cap space and get as many FRPs as possible). I was somewhat surprised they kept Claxton, but I think they realized they were not going to get FMV in a center-clogged market and (2) he was the youngest of their 2ish stars.
I agree with this. I just think this quick rebuild talk is a lie. They tried a quick rebuild around Bridges. It failed and now they are trying to convince us that the rebuild starts now with their ability to tank. The thing is, when a rebuild fails and you start over....it is the same rebuild because nothing was built. Edit: I may be a grumpy old man as I think tanking is more the ultimate form of rebuilding in which the front office puts together a team with the purpose of losing. You can try to rebuild while still trying to compete. With the way the draft is and that other teams will tank, it is hard to rebuild without tanking and usually not wise.
Bucks have a FRP to trade and not much to offer, but need to try something.... Bucks get Adams Brooks Tate Rockets get 2031 FRP Lopez Portis Connaughton (can drop him if Bucks don't want Tate) (Also, Bucks can have Landale and Green the Elder if they prefer them to Adams). I think Adams and Lopez is probably a wash in talent if Adams is healthy. I think Dillon Brooks would help them rebuild their defense.
Brooks, (Jalen Green or Adams) Landale, Tate & most of their picks. …for… Kevin Durant This makes us a contender the moment it happens. We would get us a quick championship if luck is on our side. Our development would continue at the same time. Our window stays open even after Durant expires. Learning to WIN in while competing for a championship. The Suns get their future back too. Most of their return is expiring or has team options players. Their FRP are reason they would consider this.
The Rockets should trade for Walker Kessler and put him with our shooting coaches. Kessler with a midrange is deadly. He just needs a change of scenery. Put him with his old pal Jabari.
PG - I think FVV is an excellent starter, no need to upgrade there. Just hope Sheppard or Amen can take over soon full time. SG - Green is an inefficient chucker and has been my #1 player to replace to with a 2-way guard and would immediately improve the # of wins on this team. Sheppard may be the answer long-term but highly doubt he is there this year or next. SF - Rockets are set here. Brooks,Tari, Amen, Whitmore PF - Jabari needs to gain a lot of strength to continue to play this roll. Not saying he is bad but he seems to have more advantage as a 3. Tari is good but I'd like someone around 7' for that role. C - Sengun, he's the guy. No upgrading there. So, with that said, SG and PF are the only immediate needs for upgrading to get the Rockets into real contention. I think we know what we have with Jalen and after 3 years, it's time to move on. Jabari in 2 - 3 years should have put on enough weight to anchor the 4 and have his shooting at an elite level but that puts real competing out that much longer which I'm fine with. Trade: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, PHX Picks Receive: Devin Booker Immediate Roster: PG - FVV SG - Booker SF - Amen, Eason or Whitmore PF - Jabari ..C - Sengun Future Roster: PG - Amen or Sheppard SG - Booker SF - Eason or Whitmore PF - Jabari or FA ..C - Sengun In 2 years, that's a squad that's competing year in year out for a Championship.
Great idea, just don’t think Phoenix would cooperate. That is probably the best package they could get for Booker. They would then need to dump Durant as well and do a full re-build unless Jalen becomes a superstar (probability 10%).
Rim protection, Rockets biggest short coming. Walker Kessler, problem solved. Doubt if Adams plays more than 50+/- games. His veteran presence is as important as his on court production. Kessler’s minutes might be minimal his first year here. But moving forward, his role will be greatly expanded. As much as I liked the late season version of Jock, maybe Utah takes him, Tate and a 2rd pick.
I’m gonna keep proposing Jalen trades because it’s so obvious we can’t pay everyone, he’s about to get expensive, and he hasn’t earned an extension. I also think that if he doesn’t play great or feel like Houston will give him the contract he wants, he’s going to ask for a trade. Jalen Green for the 2029 pick the Wiz just got from Portland and the Wiz 2031 pick.
I think Sac-town. They were trying for Markannen, but it looks like Ainge wants Bridges offer or better. Looks like they will pivot back to BI with Huerter & Barnes.
3 way trade: Rockets incoming - Devin Booker Outgoing - Jalen Greeen, Jock Landale, all Phoenix picks Phoenix outgoing - Devin Booker, Kevin Durant Incoming - Jalen Green, Jock Landale, Brandon Ingram, all their picks back NO - Outgoing Brandon Ingram Incoming- Durant Works on Fanspo
