Why the Rockets Should Do It
The Rockets are in a rare position. They currently lack a head coach and a GM. Typically when a team is in that predicament, it’s because both were fired at once.
Last week, Daryl Morey stepped down abruptly. This came after Mike D’Antoni announced he would not return as coach after the 2020 season. It’s hard to forecast what the Rockets will do until they have permanent decision makers in place.
But regardless, Houston’s future hires won’t mask the fact that the pairing of Russell Westbrook and Harden weren’t enough to get the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals or beyond.
If Houston opts to move Westbrook and his $38 million salary, the Bucks could offer Middleton in return as Harden’s new co-star.
Middleton has been an All Star in each of the past two seasons, and had a player efficiency rating of 21.1 last season.
Houston would also acquire Robin Lopez, who would fill a big need at center for the Rockets.
The departure of D’Antoni means the small-ball strategy should be a thing of the past, so Lopez’s acquisition would give Houston some needed size in the front court.
