Rockets 2.0 trade scenarios: What I hear about John Collins, Myles Turner and more
Summer is coming.
While this may be a bit of a corny reference to “Game of Thrones,” it also serves as an important reminder of change that’s on the horizon. houston rockets. The 11-37 franchise is once again destined for a big lottery pick, the spoils of a rebuild, but in the coming months, this roster is going to look very different.
Decision makers have endured three seasons of despair in the hope, or trust, depending on who you ask, that better times are ahead. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for this young group. But that doesn’t mean the Rockets can’t start laying the foundation now.
Version 1.0 of our trading scenarios it was over a month ago. There have been some significant changes since then. Let’s dive into…
• He nba continues to function as a seller’s market ahead of the February 9 trade deadline, and that includes the Rockets and eric gordon – but if they end up moving it, they are open to adding veterans to the list, the athletic has learned. Houston has an abundance of young people, perhaps too a lot of youth, which has left the team unbalanced. Ten players are 22 years old or younger. Jae Sean Tate He is 27 years old but only has three years of experience.
In previous instances involving Gordon, Houston’s primary goal was to secure a first-round pick or a quality young player, but with a major offseason ahead and a plan to bolster its veteran presence, the will is there to get started. that process. if the opportunity presents itself.
• With Gordon, the 34-year-old wing is still waiting for a resolution. It’s the worst kept secret in the NBA that several teams have an interest in him, and Gordon has aired his frustration with his current situation on multiple occasions both publicly and privately, but the Rockets will continue to hope for a proper return on him. . the athletic previously reported that the front office is more inclined to trade him now than at any time during the rebuild, and that sentiment still holds.
The Jazz have been the team most recently committed to a potential John Collins trade, sources say @ShamsCharania.
The Wizards have also been among the teams that have expressed interest in Collins.https://t.co/QOgGyX6Ozh pic.twitter.com/JRX9cUkQoC
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) January 17, 2023
• He atlanta falcons they have been buying forward john collins for a while, according to our Shams Charania, and have been gauging interest around the league in potential packages for the 25-year-old, conversations that have included the Houston Rockets, league sources said. the athletic, which was later confirmed by team sources. The sources were granted anonymity to speak freely on the matter. There hasn’t been anything concrete from the Rockets, just pitches from the Hawks to Houston among other teams, but the interest is real.
Three years ago before the Houston trade Clint Capela in what turned out to be a highly successful deal involving four teams, the athletic reported on the Rockets’ request for Collins, then 23, in exchange for Capela’s services.
Keeping a few things in mind: The Suns’ desire to move jae crowderHouston with Gordon and the Hawks with Collins, there’s a three-team framework that could work for all parties.
• Collins’ desire for a change of scenery, his unhappy with his situation in Atlanta and his desire to be in a place where he is respected is understandable. And there’s no denying that Collins would make the Rockets a better team, especially on the defensive end. Collins has been a positive defender for the Hawks every season he’s been with them, with the impact this season being a defensive differential of more than 5.6 points, among 88th percentile players, according to Glass Clean. Collins would also be a welcome addition to a youth locker room in need of a veteran voice.
• But the problem with a Collins trade, as the Rockets and other interested teams are currently evaluating internally, is the fit, and all the factors that go along with it. For starters, the forward is in the second year of a 5-year, $125 million contract signed in 2021. Bringing Collins to Houston’s books would significantly reduce his future cap space, one of the most positive things the front office is looking forward to with craving. this summer. The Rockets would have to juxtapose Collins and his opportunity cost, which means they’d have to determine whether they’d rather have Collins now or keep maximum cap space for what appears to be a busy summer in free agency. There is also the matter of positional fit.
• The free agency potential mentioned above applies to another frontcourt option that might be on the market, miles turner. The loss of Tyrese Halliburton and his contribution to the All-Star level has left it 24-26 Indiana Pacers reeling, losing eight of their last 10 games and barely holding on to a berth in the Gate Tournament. If his slump continues, it’s not inconceivable that Indiana could look to trade Turner and commit fully to the rebuild, especially with Turner’s impending free agency on the horizon. Houston has an interest in the 26-year-old center from Bedford, Texas, but would be hesitant to trade for an in-demand player who would get a sizable return on assets now, especially when they could wait until free agency to pursue him.
• Regarding KJ Martin, there is still interest in the 22-year-old combo forward who has been quite productive as a starter, averaging 14 points and seven rebounds on 35 percent shooting from 3, but nothing concrete at this point. conditions of the offers on the table. Team and league sources also count the athletic that some teams have raised the possibility of offering a first-round pick for Martin’s services, but again, nothing concrete. The Rockets aren’t interested in trading Martin, a well-developed second-round pick, for a second-round pick.
(John Collins Photo: Alonzo Adams/USA Today)