The Rockets (19-21) are more competitive than many expected in the 2023-24 NBA season, but they’re far from a contending team.
Thus, even though they have clear roster needs such as a true backup center, it doesn’t make sense for Houston to pursue them at all costs when its contending window isn’t open.
With that in mind, Houston Chronicle beat writer Jonathan Feigen reported that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will likely prioritize value over need as the Feb. 8 in-season trade deadline nears.
The Rockets are still at a stage when they will seek good-value trades rather than fill a targeted need, a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said.
At 19-21, they cannot consider themselves good enough to desperately chase a short-term, need-filling backup.
In his story, Feigen referenced the expiring contracts of Victor Oladipo and Jock Landale, as well as Brooklyn’s unprotected first-round draft pick in 2024, as potential assets to dangle in talks. Houston also has three 2024 second-round picks it could include.
As neither contender nor dreg, Rockets cast slightly new eye on NBA trade deadline https://t.co/kVeeSJHys3
— Chronicle Sports (@ChronSports) January 18, 2024
But even if Houston isn’t desperately pursuing a backup center, the number of potential options on the trade market could reduce the cost to the point where the value equation makes sense.
Potential targets to fill the role of Alperen Sengun’s backup, according to Feigen, may include Chicago’s Andre Drummond, Washington’s Daniel Gafford and Charlotte’s Nick Richards. Bismack Biyombo, who played well in Memphis before his recent release, could be a free-agent option though Houston would likely have competition in that pursuit from other teams.
Feigen also writes Houston could seek to add a playmaker to its bench. However, the looming return of Tari Eason from injury and the recent emergence of rookie wing Cam Whitmore make it debatable whether a backcourt addition is worth the price if it potentially reduces Whitmore’s playing time?
As with the backup center pursuit, it likely comes down to value and what Stone and the Rockets would have to give up in each deal.
