Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Top 5 Trades They Need To Pull The Trigger On
The Rockets are in trouble after starting the season 3-8 and coming off of a big loss to the Thunder. It's evident they need to make a trade...fast. Before this season gets out of hand.
When teams go on scoring runs, the Rockets don't have a go-to man to stop that run. Last night, the Bulls went on a 18-0 run to start the fourth quarter. This could have been prevented if they had a go-to guy.
So here they are the five trades the Houston Rockets need to make.
Andre Iguodala
1 of 6
The Trade: Shane Battier, Jarred Jeffries, Jordan Hill and possibly a first round draft pick for Andre Iguodala and Jason Kapono.
Why Houston does it: Iggy brings a much needed physical presence. Although he's not a fantastic scorer, he's better than Battier and you don't lose a whole lot of defense because Iggy is a great defender. They also get a great three point shooter who can spread the floor in Jason Kapono.
Why Philly does it: Battier and Jeffries combined have $14 million worth of expiring contracts. Jordan Hill was a lottery pick last year and has tons of athleticism and a huge upside. Iguodala wants out and he hasn't been very productive.
Chances it happens: 6/10
Tayshaun Prince
2 of 6
The trade: Jarred Jeffries, Jordan Hill, and a draft pick if need be, for Tayshaun Prince.
Why Houston does it: Tayshaun brings every aspect of the game with him. He's athletic, he can shoot the ball, he's a pretty good ball handler, a great defender and he doesn't get injured.
Why Detroit does it: Detroit isn't competitive and it's time to start rebuilding. Giving up Prince to get a $7 million expiring contract and a young big guy with loads of potential looks very attractive.
Chances it happens: 5/10
Gerald Wallace
3 of 6
The trade: Shane Battier, Jarred Jeffries, Jordan Hill and a first round draft pick for Gerald Wallace and Eduardo Najera.
Why Houston does it: Wallace brings great athleticism, rebounding and defense. Wallace is a highlight reel waiting to happen and would strive in Adleman's system. Najera is just in there to balance out the contracts.
Why Charlotte does it: Battier and Jeffries are expiring contracts, Hill is a young big man with potential. With that draft pick you have the ability to swap picks with the New York Knicks. Say the Knicks had a better position in the draft than the Rockets, they can trade up and get that Knicks' pick—definitely a hot commodity. The Bobcats are also ready to start rebuilding. Draft picks, expiring contracts and young players certainly help you do that.
Chances it happens: 3/10
Chris Paul
4 of 6
The trade: Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Jarred Jeffries, Jordan Hill and/or Pattrick Patterson plus 2 first round New York Knicks draft picks for Chris Paul and a J. Wright trade exception.
Why Houston does it: I don't know why any team wouldn't want to trade for Chris Paul. Great scorer, great passer and a great defender. Best point guard in the league and Houston needs a superstar.
Why New Orleans does it: The problem for Rockets fans is the Hornets won't trade Paul until they start losing, which it doesn't look probable anytime soon. But if they do start losing and Paul wants out, Aaron Brooks is a young budding star who can score.
Then you get $14 million of combined expiring contracts in Battier and Jeffries and two young guns in Hill and Patterson, who have great potential. Also two first-round New York Knicks picks which can be lottery picks if the Knicks continue to falter
Chances it happens: 1/10
Josh Smith
5 of 6
The trade: Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Jordan Hill, Jarred Jeffries and a 2012 first-round Knicks pick for Josh Smith and Jamaal Crawford.
Why Houston does it: Josh Smith can start at the three because he is more of a hybrid player. He brings a physical style of play that the team desperately needs. He is also a decent scorer who can fly high and a great rebounder. Jamaal Crawford is a guy who can come off the bench and be a go-to guy when Houston needs a score. He is also incredibly clutch, which is another thing Houston needs.
Why Atlanta does it: Jamaal Crawford wants out and Smith has been involved in many trade rumors already. Battier gives them a guy at small forward that they need and Aaron Brooks fills a huge void at point guard. Jeffries and Battier also have expiring contracts and Jordan Hill has potential. Then that first round pick is just icing on the cake.
Chances it happens: 2/10
Other Random Trade Thoughts That Probably Won't Happen
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Aaron Brooks and Jarred Jeffries for Monta Ellis http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2ut3ss5
Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Jordan Hill, Jarred Jeffries and draft picks for Carmelo Anthony http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=27u9sj7
Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier and a New York Knicks first round draft pick for Danny Granger http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2662wdx
Thanks for reading guys.
Email me at jameschmidt1@gmail.com if you have any questions or just want to have a chat about basketball.
