Rockets Rumors: HOU 'Open' to Deadline Trades; Seeks 'Franchise Centerpiece' Player
January 19, 2022
The Houston Rockets are "open for business" ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline as they seek to rebuild the struggling franchise, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick, David Aldridge and John Hollinger.
One rival executive told The Athletic that the Rockets are "on the lookout for a franchise centerpiece-worthy player and thus open to all sorts of possibilities."
At 13-32, Houston has the worst record in the Western Conference and few sure things on the roster. Even leading scorer Christian Wood reportedly "can be had" at the right price.
Wood was a revelation after joining Houston on a three-year, $41 million deal in 2020. He set career highs with 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
The 26-year-old has been effective in 2021-22 as well, averaging 17.6 points and 10.1 rebounds, but it hasn't been enough to help Houston move up in the standings. With one year left on his contract, the Rockets could package him in a trade that helps the rebuild.
It seems the jury is also still out on Jalen Green after Houston selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft.
The 19-year-old is averaging 15.0 points per game this season, but he is shooting just 39.7 percent from the field and 30.7 percent from three-point range. He is responsible for negative-0.6 win shares, per Basketball Reference.
Though the Rockets consider Green "a big part of their future," per The Athletic, they seemingly are still on the hunt for a key player to build around.
Veterans Eric Gordon, Daniel Theis, David Nwaba and D.J. Augustin are among those who could be on the move before the deadline.