Houston Rockets trade for Portland Trail Blazers guard could fill holes

The Houston Rockets had a 19-win improvement last season, posting a 41-41 record. With a strong young core consisting of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the Rockets project to be strong for years to come.

The team was eager to compete soon, however, signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last offseason. Now they have a fringe playoff team surrounded by a solid core. Where do they go from here?

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has the third pick in the draft and more trade chips to use to help the roster in the short term. Houston has the ability to rebuild its roster and continue to build a playoff team.

Of course, the development of the team’s young core should allow the Rockets to improve next season, but they also have some holes within their team that they can fill to bolster their playoff chances.

One target the Rockets may consider trading for is Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon. The Rockets’ lack of floor spacing was evident last season, and Brogdon shot 41 percent from 3-point range a season ago while making more than five attempts per game.

With a young guard in green, the Rockets don’t have the safest game. VanVleet is also an incredible scorer, but the team could use some help shooting the rock, and Brogdon is an incredible playmaker.

Durability and injury tolls have been a struggle for Brogdon throughout his career, and that would be a risk the Rockets should be willing to take. Due to this, Brogdon’s trade value is also decreasing slightly.

A trade around the No. 3 pick would net the Rockets Brogdon and one of the Trail Blazers’ two first-round draft picks (No. 7 and No. 14). For the Trail Blazers, they secured Donovan Clingan, and the Rockets get some immediate help while continuing to take a chance on a draft prospect to add to the young core.

READ MORE: Was Luck Out in Potential Trade for Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell?

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