NBA Trade Rumors: Forget Carmelo Anthony, Could the Houston Rockets Target Nene?

As tends to be the case at this time of year, the Houston Rockets and General Manager Daryl Morey are in the middle of nearly all trade talks across the league. Nearly every player made available from Gerald Wallace to Carmelo Anthony has been connected to the Rockets at one point over the last two months. 

In recent days, another potential target, Nenê, has emerged as the Rockets' potential fall-back plan if they fail to "win" the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. A probable All-Star, Nenê is averaging over 15 points and seven rebounds while leading the league with a 64 percent field goal percentage.

In addition to his strong contributions on offense and on the boards, Nenê is a very solid defender who blocks shots, moves his feet well and can step out on shooters.

While all of these impressive characteristics mean that he would add a tremendous amount to the Rockets, he adds just as much for the Nuggets. So, why would the Nuggets want to trade a top player at a premium position?

The answer seems to lie in the Carmelo Anthony discussions. Reportedly extremely frustrated with the lack of direction the Nuggets have shown in the trade talks for Carmelo, Nenê has been vocal to the front office about his desire to move on.

With the Nuggets appearing to be ready to completely rebuild in the era after Carmelo Anthony, his role on the team is not entirely clear. He'd likely be the team's best player, but by the time the Nuggets are good again, he will likely either be long gone or past his prime. 

With both his trade request and the Nuggets' likely willingness to move him, the Rockets will, as Marc Stein reported, likely make a fairly strong push to get the center. 

There are numerous issues that will likely push back any deal for Nenê to very close to the deadline, the first of which is the unresolved Carmelo Anthony situation. With Anthony still in a Nuggets jersey, Denver will want to hold onto Nenê. Only when the Anthony deal is consummated can the full rebuilding effort ensue for Denver.

The second issue has to deal with an extension. As a player that will command a fairly high asking price (perhaps approaching that of Anthony because of Nenê's positional value), the Rockets (or any team acquiring him) will not want to risk trading for him without an extension or promise to sign an extension in hand.

Assuming the Nuggets would even grant the Rockets the right to negotiate with him, these talks would take a while.

While the process would be long and arduous, acquiring Nenê could have a huge impact for the Rockets, who sorely need a defensive center who can block shots, rebound and score a little. While Carmelo Anthony would be the sexier option, given the Rockets' defensive struggles, Nenê could potentially have a greater impact in Houston.