Houston Rockets interested in dealing No. 3 pick for Donovan Mitchell

THE Houston Rockets aspirations to make the NBA playoffs waned late in the season. Now the focus is on the next offseason. With many possible paths to take this summer, what do the Rockets need to do this offseason to improve?

The Rockets are currently negative in terms of cap room heading into the 2024-25 season. NBA season, leaving a small margin to sign free agents. The Rockets have some wiggle room before going on the luxury tax next season – are they eyeing a certain superstar?

Houston interested in Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell

The franchise could rush out of rebuilding mode

After moving up a gear in their reconstruction plan this season, the Rockets could already be considering further acceleration.

According to Michael Sotto of HoopsHype, the Rockets’ No. 3 pick in the draft “will be discussed during trade talks leading up to draft night.” After swinging and disappearing on Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn nets At the trade deadline, Houston isn’t looking to walk away from a blockbuster deal this summer. Scotto also indicated that Houston wanted to contact the Cleveland Cavaliers about Donovan Mitchell .

While Houston’s 10th-ranked defense looked ready for the playoffs, the same was not true for its 20th-ranked offense. While it’s fair to wonder how much the addition of a superstar can change Houston’s fortunes next season, it appears the Rockets are all in on it. Houston’s young core making huge strides in 2023-24 gives the franchise confidence that a superstar can help things take off.

While Mitchell is a good player, an All-NBA level player, he is not a true point guard, which is something Houston lacks. He plays better in isolation. Despite averaging 5.1 career assists this season, Mitchell’s game is not pass-first. In short, Houston has a multitude of explosive young scorers. While Mitchell’s superstar presence would undeniably boost Houston’s chances — salaries, fitness, all things considered — there may be more generous options.

The best way for Houston to compete again

Since the departure of James Harden, Houston has been a laughing stock

The positive points :

Like his last seasons, the Rockets will once again be among the best choices in the next draft. If they stick with their draft pick, the result will certainly bring them a young player who can help fill holes on the roster, whether it’s with a 3-point shot or rim protection.

Better yet, Houston’s young core — Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason — are all 22 or younger, and most, if not all, are sure to see improvement in their games come. next season.

These things alone, in addition to getting Steven Adams returning from injury, Houston should improve on its 41 wins. Even in a difficult Western Conference.

The problem:

The franchise may not need to make a splash in free agency. If Houston really wants to make a trade, perhaps they can move a first-round pick for a player to plug a hole, similar to the Adams trade at the deadline. The Rockets have accumulated enough young pieces to make a blockbuster trade tempting. Whether they choose to go this route is a debate in itself.

At the trade deadline, Houston attempted to accelerate its rebuilding process. It did not work. But as they enter the 2024 offseason, all indications are that the organization will once again study the market for ways to cash in their chips, whether it’s draft picks or young players .

This situation has caused a lot of uncertainty over the franchise.

Assuming the Rockets want to go all-in, they’ll need a superstar sooner rather than later. When there is no guarantee Cleveland will entertain calls for Mitchell, Houston should evaluate more options.

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