3 Draft Day Trades the Houston Rockets Should Consider

Teams rarely trade at the top of the NBA draft.

There is a reason for this. What more could you want than a top draft pick? Normally, this is one of the most valuable assets in the NBA.

There are exceptions to every rule. When a playoff contender obtains a top pick following a previous trade, they will consider moving their pick for immediate help. Additionally, when a draft is considered weak, teams near the top may prefer targets closer to the middle or bottom of the draft.

Can you watch this? Both exceptions apply to the Houston Rockets. They are on the cusp of the playoffs and secured the third overall pick in what is perceived to be a weak draft.

Here are 3 deals they could make as a result.

The Grizzlies need a big man. Ironically, it’s because they sent Steven Adams to the Rockets this year. Could Houston help them land their next starting center?

We’re not talking about Landale – although he would be a reasonable addition to this team’s rotation. We’re talking about Donovan Clingan. With Alperen Sengun on the roster, the Rockets might not be interested in the presumed third overall pick.

The Grizzlies should be. With Clingan in coverage and Jaren Jackson Jr. as a free safety, they could soon build one of the best defenses in the league. Yet the Rockets also benefit from this deal.

They desperately need to be put down. With this deal, they add a removable floor spacer to Kennard. Theoretically, they could add another sharpshooter like Tennesee’s Dalton Knecht with the ninth overall pick.

Could they trade even further down the draft?