Houston Rockets complete blockbuster trade with No. 3 pick

The Houston Rockets are in a good position this offseason. After a 19-win improvement, the Rockets went 41-41 last season and still own the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They have some areas for improvement, whether to keep the choice or make an exchange.

In mock drafts, the team primarily selects either Kentucky’s star guard Reed Sheppard or UConn’s star big man Donovan Clingan. In Bleacher Report’s most recent mock version, however, the team makes a pretty fascinating move.

With the No. 3 pick coming in — and Sheppard and Clingan still on the board — the Rockets trade the selection to the Charlotte Hornets. The two teams aren’t the only ones involved either. In fact, Houston only received Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.

In the trade, the Rockets receive Ingram, with the No. 3 pick, Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale heading to Charlotte and the Pelicans receiving Miles Bridges (via sign-and-trade), Jae’Sean Tate, No. 6 pick (via Charlotte) and pick No. 44 (via Houston).

With this pick, the Hornets would select Sheppard, adding spacing and shooting alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

“As for the rest of this trade, Houston could look at Ingram – a big wing who can light it up and create shots for his teammates – as the missing piece that will at least get this group into the playoffs in next year,” Bleacher Report wrote.

This seems like a questionable decision for the Rockets. They have Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun – three players who use the ball to create their own shots. Ingram doesn’t add spacing or play creation, but rather more self-creation.

Ingram will likely be moved this offseason, but the Rockets shouldn’t pounce on the first available star given their ability to trade for him. There will be more opportunities to improve, while bringing in a star who could fit the mold, rather than Ingram – who doesn’t appear to be a good fit on the court in Houston.

READ MORE: Rockets Could Pursue Former Defensive Player of the Year Via Trade

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