There had been widespread anticipation that the Houston Rockets would trade before the NBA’s trade deadline. The question was, which direction were they heading?
Were the Rockets going to make a push for the playoffs this year? Or were they going to strive to improve and plan for the future?
The Rockets appear to have chosen the latter. At least, that is how it appeared after they signed injured center Steven Adams last night.
Houston acquired Adams in exchange for three second-round draft picks and Victor Oladipo’s expiring contract from the Memphis Grizzlies. Two of the choices are from the next draft.
Houston will send Memphis the 2024 second-round pick that they obtained from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizzlies will also obtain the Brooklyn Nets (protected 55-58) or Golden State Warriors selection (protected 56-58), whichever is most advantageous.
Then, in 2025, Memphis will receive either the Rockets’ or the Thunder’s second-round pick.
Adams hasn’t played in over a year after being sidelined all season due to knee surgery in October.
Nevertheless, the 7-footer is an excellent backup for Alperen Sengun. Throughout his breakout season, Sengun has established himself as a legitimate starting center.
Jock Landale, whom the Rockets had great aspirations for, just lost his backup center role to Jeff Green. So the Rockets started hunting for a center. According to reports, the Rockets were interested in Portland’s Robert Williams and Atlanta’s Clint Capela. However, they ultimately chose Adams.
Adams is a rebounding machine who also plays physical defense. Adams’ athleticism has dipped slightly as a result of his injuries, but he remains an exceptional lob catcher and rim protector. He establishes strong screens, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, and is an excellent passer for a big man. Adams will also mentor Sengun.
Dillon Brooks, who played with the Adams in Memphis, told Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 that Adams is thrilled to be a Rocket.
“He’s very excited,” Brooks stated. “I told him Houston is a fantastic city; he would adore it. He inquired about Ime Udoka. I informed him that Ime is a player’s coach, and everything is for the players.
Adams will earn $12.5 million next season before entering free agency in 2025.
Houston’s decision to trade for Adams rather than Capela suggests that the Rockets are more concerned about next season than this season.
Houston is in 11th place in the Western Conference with a 22-25 record, although they are only one half game behind the 10th-place Utah Jazz. Similarly, the Rockets have a half-game lead over the 12th-place Warriors.
Houston is 3-7 in their previous ten games and will visit Toronto tonight. The Rockets have had a poor road record, going 5-12. The Rockets are only 10-7 versus teams with a record less than.500, indicating that they can be defeated on any given night.
In other words, Houston does not appear to be a playoff club, thus they are making the wise decision to continue developing their young players.
Jabari Smith Sr. has made strides in his second year of growth. Tari Eason, who has had several injuries this season, has also improved. Meanwhile, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson have proven their star potential in limited situations.
It is expected that the Rockets will make other transactions. Landale is most likely to be moved or waived. Landale’s next-year compensation of $8 million is not assured.
In unexpected news, ESPN’s Zach Lowe claimed earlier today that there is some trade talk around Jalen Green.
“The Rockets have so many first-round picks and good young players that, if enough of them succeed, there will be no way to pay them all. They want to hunt down a playoff berth right now. According to league sources, Jalen Green’s name has sparked some trade interest.
Green has yet to progress like the Rockets had planned. However, he is only 21 years old and possesses a skill that every team covets: the ability to shoot. So it would be odd if the Rockets let him go now, but it would also be shocking if his name comes up again this summer. Houston should proceed with caution when dealing with the previous No. 3 pick.
Look Ahead To 2024-25
Houston has 12 players under contract for the next season, totaling $146.3 million. Landale and Green $8 million do not have guaranteed contracts, although Jae’Sean Tate’s $7 million contract is a team option. Landale and Tate are unlikely to return next year. In that scenario, the Rockets would be about $40 million below the luxury tax level.
Houston does not have any major free agents. However, come summer, Jalen Green is eligible for a contract extension.
This year, the Rockets possess the Nets’ first round pick. Their choice is likely to go to Oklahoma City unless they miss the playoffs and win the lottery with a top-four pick. The Rockets now have only one second-round pick this year after trading for Adams.
