Houston Rockets Linked to Lauri Markkanen by Top Insider

When an NBA general manager’s nickname is “trader,” making a deal with him can be intimidating.

Danny Ainge has a reputation for excellence. He doesn’t like losing a contract. Will that stop him from doing business with Lauri Markkanen?

Houston Rockets fans have their eye on this situation. Markkanen has been linked to the Rockets on countless occasions. Well, folks, it’s happened again.

This time, it’s ESPN’s Zach Lowe who puts the pieces together.

We’ll avoid any slander, but we will say this: There is a list of so-called “insiders” around the NBA that savvy fans have learned not to trust.

Zach Lowe is not on this list.

When he speaks, people listen. So there’s a certain smoke here that makes sense.

What makes Lowe think the Rockets are interested in Markkanen?

Let’s hear from Lowe himself.

“The Rockets were mentioned, simply because they have a million young players”

-Zach Lowe, ESPN

This seems less like information and more like speculation. Like many others, Lowe (fairly) assumes the Rockets will eventually make a consolation trade. He seems unconvinced they’ll trade for Markkanen.

“Houston is a really interesting matchup for me, because I think if I were the Rockets, I would just let this team simmer. I’m not rushing it, I just don’t know my team enough, how it fits together, what all these players can do. I know Ime Udoka and the coaching staff, they want to win. They want to step on the gas now, and Markkanen would be a way to step on the gas. They’re definitely an interesting team.”

-Zach Lowe, ESPN

We’re inclined to agree with Lowe. The Rockets haven’t learned what they have yet. There’s a risk they’ll throw one of their young players into a trade with Markkanen, only for him to become the best player they’ve drafted in recent years.

That said, Markkanen is very talented. He should help this team get into the playoff race. The Rockets can justify their decision to bring in Markkanen:

Provided Danny Ainge accepts a fair deal.