The NBA trade deadline is just one day away, and the league has already seen some big deals go down. Kristaps Porzingis is now a Dallas Maverick. Dennis Smith Jr. is now a New York Knick. Tobias Harris is a now Philadelphia 76er. But who exactly is a Rocket to-be?
Several players have been speculatively linked to Houston, but only a small collection of concrete reports have surfaced detailing the Rockets’ potential wheelings and dealings. Here is the shortlist of players that are (publicly) on Daryl Morey’s radar beyond the “Could be a good fit” phase.
Alec Burks, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland and the Houston Rockets remained engaged late Tuesday on a deal that would bring Brandon Knight and the Rockets’ first-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Alec Burks, two league sources told The Athletic. — Jason Lloyd, The Athletic (Feb. 5)
Burks is a decent scorer and an efficient three-point shooter. Though not especially versatile beyond putting the ball in the hoop, he could bolster the Rockets’ wing depth and provide a scoring punch off the bench. More importantly, his expiring, $11.5-million contract would give Houston financial wiggle room while simultaneously reducing their luxury tax hit by clearing Knight from the books.
Wesley Matthews, New York Knicks
Rockets are searching for 3-and-D help and would have interest in Wesley Matthews in the buyout market, according to league sources. — Tim MacMahon, ESPN (Jan. 31)
After the deadline dust settles, Matthews is expected to be available on the buyout market. Houston currently has one available roster spot and a distinct need for a veteran wing who can shoot well from three and play defense at a high level. Matthews is perhaps the best candidate for that job, assuming the Knicks are unable to trade him and his currently bloated salary.
Competition for his services will be fierce if he is released and clears waivers. Marc Stein of the New York Times reports that the Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors are also monitoring Matthews’ movement.
JaMychal Green & Garrett Temple, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies and Rockets have also discussed a trade involving point guard Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss, according to league sources. Houston has been trying to dump Knight’s salary, which is on the books for $15.6 million next season, and will attach a first-round pick to get it done. It’s expected that Memphis would send JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple to the Rockets. The fate of Conley and Gasol comes first, though. — Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer (Feb. 6)
Like the swap for Burks, this potential trade is primarily about three things: Dumping Knight’s salary, picking up expiring contracts, and seeing marginal on-court improvement. Neither Knight nor Chriss has cracked coach Mike D’Antoni’s rotation, but Green and Temple certainly could. If Houston can add serviceable players and reduce its tax hit at the same time, it almost definitely will.
That said, a lot of the work that goes on at the deadline is behind the scenes and unreported ahead of time. These players have been directly linked to the Rockets, so keep a close eye on them, but there is no telling exactly what Morey has cooking.
