The Houston Rockets have cooled off after an incredibly hot start to the season, going from challenging the No. 1 seed to dropping to No. 4 after a 2-7 run in their last nine games. The Rockets will likely break their Playoff drought this season, but their status as contenders looks shaky at the moment. Their scoring ability leaves much to be desired, having a 113.8 offensive rating this season.
The Atlanta Hawks have started committing to retooling their team by moving off players like De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic over the winter. With an ascending young core featuring the likes of Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, it seems the team might not want to commit to Trae Young after a down season, trading him in the summer ahead of his contract expiry to build with their new core.
If the Hawks do test the market with Young, the Rockets would be a perfect destination for him.
Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Trae Young, Mohammed Gueye
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jalen Green, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL/PHX)
The Rockets get to maintain their core of players in its entirety by moving off disappointing No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard alongside veteran guard Fred VanVleet, whose contract alone comes close to making up Young’s value. This gives the Hawks much-needed future cap flexibility while controlling two extremely valuable first-round picks when their coffers look bare.
The Rockets Finalize Their Competitive Core
The Rockets have chosen not to rush their rebuilding process over the last few years, with head coach Ime Udoka helping them accelerate their timeline with a .500 record last season and a likely Playoff appearance this year. However, Udoka’s coaching brilliance and defensive ethos won’t be enough to contend given the offensive shortcomings on their roster.
Young is an incredible solution to this problem. He’s averaging 23.7 points and 11.5 assists this season, a down year for the Hawks star. While he will likely be the assists leader this season, his scoring output has considerably dropped alongside his efficiency. Nonetheless, Young is a one-man offensive unit and has been carrying the Hawks offensively this year.
A point guard like Trae adds a perimeter threat to the Rockets roster that the franchise desperately needs. He’ll not only be able to set up players like Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and even Alperen Sengun, but he’ll be a more reliable offensive contributor compared to Jalen Green. It increases the Rockets’ options on the offensive end, provided the other ace defenders on the roster can cover up for Young’s deficiencies.
The Hawks Add Some Missing Assets
The Hawks committed to building around Young a few seasons ago, but their missteps might have cost them this era. The Dejounte Murray acquisition left holes on their roster they couldn’t address, with the incoming assets for him not making up for the years of picks the Hawks are going to continue paying out, including a potential lottery pick this season.
Instead of going full-tank, the Hawks pivot into competitiveness with Jalen Green, who’s averaging 21.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. While he isn’t the offensive contributor that Trae is, he would be a great complement in the backcourt to Dyson Daniels, who can take the reins as the team’s point guard without Young.
Jock Landale would be a solid rotational big to replace the expiring contract of Clint Capela. Landale is averaging 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds this season. Reed Sheppard is the most exciting asset, as the No. 3 pick hasn’t gotten a chance to shine on the Rockets and could rediscover his high potential with more opportunities on the Hawks.
The picks Atlanta will land are guaranteed to carry value. One belongs to the Phoenix Suns this season, which has a high chance of giving them a lottery pick considering their own pick is headed to the Spurs. The other would be the best between the Suns or Mavericks picks in 2029, with both franchises currently having a cloudy future.
The Rockets Take The Next Step
This is a great deal for the Rockets, who manage to add a player of Young’s caliber while still maintaining future financial flexibility. They can add Young’s contract as a replacement for the $40 million deal Fred VanVleet is on, but has an expiring team option for next season. Jalen Green’s departure removes $30 million more off the books, giving Houston the headway to consider handing extensions to the likes of Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson down the line.
Young’s offensive impact is measurable among the best players in the NBA. Adding someone of that caliber could greatly improve the Rockets. Since Trae will be fighting to prove his value for his future contract, he’ll be incentivized to do things the Rockets’ way, although nothing will magically make him a good defender. Thankfully, his offensive strength and Houston’s defensive solidity can make for a great marriage.
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