Does this trade make sense for the Houston Rockets?

The Houston Rockets have one goal in mind at the trade deadline this season and that is to salvage some future value for unwanted contracts on their roster. Maybe they will find themselves making a big trade in which they leverage Christian Wood, but their primary focus will be on moving the contracts of D.J. Augustin and Eric Gordon. 

While he has drawn interest from several playoff contending teams over the last few months, Eric Gordon’s contract is a big concern right now. At 33-years-old, Gordon’s remaining $58.7M on his contract is a major liability for any team to take on, which is why the Rockets will have to take the best offer they can for him. 

Houston is not really in a position to negotiate a set-price for him and while there is little value to be had with a package of Rubio, Windler and second-round draft compensation, money is the most important factor in this trade. 

By taking on Rubio’s contract this season, the Rockets would wind up saving themselves over $40M in total payroll, allowing them to have available funds to retain Christian Wood when his contract is up following next season. 

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Assuming they do not trade Wood this year, the Houston Rockets will have to compete with several other teams in the future who all pursue the big man in free agency. With Eric Gordon on the roster eating up cap space, the Rockets are tight financially, which is why a move like this could make more sense for them down the road than right now.