Does this trade make sense for the Houston Rockets?

The Houston Rockets should be more than willing to make this trade not only because they would be adding a future first-round pick and a former first-round pick in Josh Green, but because they would be saving themselves a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. 

Eric Gordon is owed $58.7M through the 2023-24 season and while his contract is non-guaranteed for the final year of his deal, he is still owed about $38M in full.

Dwight Powell is owed $22.1M in total through next season and Willie Cauley-Stein is only owed $4.1M this season in the final year of his contract. 

In theory, the Rockets would be saving themselves $32.5M in total, not counting the rookie contract of Josh Green, by making this trade with the Mavericks.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Dallas Mavericks — Pass Or Pursue?

For a rebuilding franchise, this could be the difference in them retaining key talents and money is something the Rockets will need to begin to think about given that Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate will soon be up for contract extensions. 

Trading away veteran talents to the NBA trade deadline this season is something Houston is looking to do and finding a way to get out of paying Eric Gordon would be a huge win for this franchise.

He is contributing right now in the starting rotation, but this team is not trying to win many games. 

Securing another top pick is their main goal, especially since there is close to a zero percent chance that they make the playoffs this season. It will take time, but the rebuilding process in Houston is going as planned right now and this trade will only help speed things up. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Dallas Mavericks — Pass Or Pursue?

All in all, this trade with the Mavericks would not hurt the Rockets in any way, which is why it is worth taking a chance on.