In this under-the-radar trade proposal, the Houston Rockets are exploring an under-the-radar trade that would bring in Jordan Poole, a player who has steadily evolved into one of the league’s more dangerous scoring guards. In Washington this past season, Poole delivered career-best numbers, averaging around 20.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, and knocking down 37.8% from deep.
His ability to create off the bounce, space the floor, and even run the point makes him well-suited to ignite Houston’s backcourt. For the Rockets, this isn’t just about adding a scorer; it’s a statement.
Poole instantly upgrades their shooting and offensive creation while taking pressure off their younger pieces. His experience and veteran savvy could accelerate Houston’s push for relevancy, with the ability to seamlessly slot into both pick-and-roll sets and catch-and-shoot roles.
On the flip side, the Washington Wizards’ return package, brimming with unproven talents and a lottery pick, matches their timeline. By moving Poole now, the Wizards can double down on youth, developmental upside, and long-term roster flexibility.
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Jordan Poole
Washington Wizards Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, 2025 no. 10 overall pick
Houston Rockets Finally Add An Elite Marksman To A Strong Defensive Roster
The Houston Rockets enter the offseason with momentum from a breakout campaign. Boasting a 110.8 defensive rating, the Rockets tied for fourth-best in the NBA last season. They also ranked 6th in OPPG, allowing only 109.8 PPG.
Led by coach Ime Udoka, the team’s defensive identity is anchored by elite wing defenders, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason, and anchored inside by Alperen Sengun and the recently re-signed Steven Adams.
Thompson emerged as a lockdown perimeter guard, capable of generating game-changing defensives, grabbed 7 steals in a game this season, and routinely held opposing “untouchables” in check while making the All-NBA Defensive First Team.
Brooks, a 2023 All-Defensive Second Team member, strengthens the backline with physicality and perimeter pressure. Meanwhile, Sengun logged four triple-doubles, doubled down on rim protection, and helped fuel Houston’s top-tier defensive fundamentals as a first-time All-Star.
But amid this collective defensive prowess lies a glaring issue: spacing and shooting. The Rockets ranked 21st in 3-point percentage (35.3%) and struggled to consistently surround their stopper core with high-volume sharpshooters.
Entering this trade scenario, Houston addressed that exact need with veteran wing Jordan Poole, whose 37.8% deep accuracy and 20.5 PPG scoring punch can complement this defensive nucleus and elevate their two-way combinations.
Whether he starts at point guard or backs up Jalen Green, Poole could give the Rockets a player who will always make threes when he is open, because that was a major weakness for the team in the postseason.
Washington Wizards Move Poole For Younger, Cheaper Assets
At $29.65 million in 2024-25, rising to $31.85 million next season, Jordan Poole carries one of the heftiest contracts on Washington’s books. Trading him would free significant cap space and relieve the financial strain, giving the Wizards flexibility in an already thin salary framework.
In return, the Wizards would receive Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard, both on rookie-scale, budget-friendly deals, offering a blend of projectable upside and court-ready talent. Smith averaged 12.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and shot 35.4% from deep in 2024-25, while Sheppard delivered solid energy and perimeter shooting off the bench in limited minutes (4.4 PPG, 33.8% 3PT). Their cost-controlled contracts make them ideal building blocks for Utah’s long-term vision.
The real jewel in Washington’s haul? The 2025 no. 10 pick, a lottery-caliber asset that can be used to further restock with talented youth or packaged in future deals. For a franchise in a full rebuild, securing a first-round pick plus cap relief and developmental youth signals a smart posture toward future flexibility and roster equity.
A Perfect Back-Up Trade Option For Rockets If They Don’t Land A Superstar
Houston’s front office should still aim high, and courting elite talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant remains the marquee target. But contingencies are critical, and adding Jordan Poole offers a plug-and-play plan if superstar pursuits fall short.
As a former 20 PPG scorer with elite shooting splits, Poole is the kind of complementary piece that integrates smoothly next to core pieces without upending chemistry. His offensive skill set gives the Rockets a fallback identity: elite defense meets lethal deep shooting, prime for mid-tier contention in the rugged Western Conference.
In short, this swap positions Houston to balance their blueprint, maintaining defensive excellence, upgrading spacing and scoring, and preserving cap flexibility, in case Plan A doesn’t materialize. It’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward add-on every sharp front office covets.
