OKC Thunder: Mortgaged future equals few Rockets trade deadline assets
How the Rockets assets would fit OKC Thunder:
No doubt being a General Manager isn’t for the faint of heart. Take Daryl Morey who committed to Chris Paul over the long haul at the ripe old age of 33 years, 277 days and will be 37 and earning $44,211,146 in his final contract year.
Never mind his age and health concerns the bigger issue lies in what that one deal did to the Rockets franchise and how it’s potentially affecting the long term wear and tear of their supermax, superstar.
Can’t you just imagine Morey locked in his office coming up with a package including everyone (except Harden and Capela who might not even be untouchable), the kitchen sink, and 6, 7 heck 10 draft picks for the next two decades just so he can sniff at landing Anthony Davis.
Let SAUCE shoot all the 3s he wants https://t.co/UlnqHucF4L
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 7, 2019
I’m being slightly facetious here, but I’m sure you get the point.
Cleveland will send Nik Stauskas and Wade Baldwin to the Rockets in the three-way deal, league source tells ESPN. Cavaliers acquired those two guards in Sunday's trade with Portland that sent Rodney Hood to the Blazers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
For now smaller moves have occurred prior to trade deadline day including Nik Stauskas making his second move in as many days from Portland to Cleveland and then to Houston. The Rockets also land Wade Baldwin.
A three-team trade is sending Iman Shumpert to the Houston Rockets, Alec Burks to the Kings, and Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss to the Cavs, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/mbuj2U6pQ1
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 7, 2019
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The other player landing in Houston is Kings Iman Shumpert who lands in Houston with the ability to hit threes and brings a wealth of playoff experience. Still – these aren’t players who’ll move the bar much.
As for the above two players (Nene and Green), it makes zero sense for the Thunder to work deals to add either of these players to their roster. The only player who could add value beyond Harden is Gordon and he would simply cost too much at this stage to investigate that option.
One caveat: I do like what Danuel House brought to the court in his short stint with the varsity squad, but given the troubles, Houston encountered trying to sign him to a long term deal it would be wise to stay away from a deal to obtain the youngster (at least at the deadline).
Role players in Toronto looking for new home. dark. Next
Likelihood Grade: 0 out of 10