Houston Rockets reportedly have 2 major trade assets heading into offseason

As for the Houston Rockets, there isn’t much to say at the moment.

The NBA Finals seem solidified. If the Mavericks and Celtics don’t meet, something unprecedented will happen. Both teams lead 3-0 in the conference finals as of this writing.

No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit. It is virtually inconceivable that two teams would do this in the same season. Soon we should see which of these two teams will become NBA champions.

This is where the Rockets would like to be. They have a long way to go. Still, a blockbuster deal this summer could bring them closer to their goals.

According to Bleacher Report, this shouldn’t be difficult to orchestrate. They say the Rockets own two of the top trade assets on the market heading into the offseason.

Let’s treat each “asset” individually.

The first of the third overall pick. Bleacher Report named this pick the eighth most valuable asset on the market. Some Rockets fans will definitely feel like they are underestimating this pick.

“The question is how valuable is the No. 3 pick in a draft that no one seems to like. (And that’s being nice to this new group of players).”

– Zach Buckley, Launderers Report

This seems reasonable. There’s a cruel irony in Houston defying the lottery odds in what is widely considered the weakest draft in a decade. There are probably a few stars in the class, but they aren’t easy to find.

The other asset is a human being. It’s Jalen Green.

Should the Rockets consider moving him this summer?

As in all cases, it depends on the offer.

“If the return is correct – that is, massive – there appears to be a scenario in which Houston seriously considers green trade negotiations.”

– Zach Buckley, Launderers Report

Green’s 2023-24 season has been confusing. He was among the worst starters in the NBA, and suddenly, in March, he became one of the best players in the league.

Many variables explain this evolution. If you’re a Green fan, you might feel like he took advantage of Alperen Sengun’s injury. With Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5, the court was more open for Green to aggressively drive to the basket.

If you’re cynical, you’ll point to an absurdly simple March schedule for the Rockets. The Rockets had a roster of opponents that were mostly injury or tank riddled.

In all likelihood, a combination of factors explains Green’s outburst in March. He shouldn’t be banned from the trade market, but the Rockets should proceed with caution. If they want to pitch him to a superstar who fits this list, that would be acceptable. On the other hand, trying to turn him into a solid role player shouldn’t be a success.

It’s not even worth talking about.