Houston Rockets Receive: F Obi Toppin, G/F Evan Fournier, F/C Taj Gibson
New York Knicks Receive: C Christian Wood, G Eric Gordon
Here, the New York Knicks kill two birds with one stone. They flip Evan Fournier’s potentially burdensome contract for a shorter one in Gordon’s, and they acquire the best player in the deal.
In other words, this one may be a no-brainer for the Knicks. Whether it’s enough for the Houston Rockets boils down to their evaluation of Obi Toppin.
With the league’s second-worst Defensive Rating, this Houston Rockets team could certainly stand to add some players who thrive on that end. Toppin qualifies. At 6’9 and 220 pounds, he possesses rare lateral mobility and timing at his size. He could instantly replace the undersized Jae’Sean Tate in this group’s starting lineup.
Taking on Fournier’s contract is a nuisance. It shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Taking on questionable contracts in a bid to add quality young players is good practice for rebuilding teams.
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Plus, Fournier’s deal should be moveable. After all, we’ve got the Knicks moving it now. It’ll be easier to find a taker in a season or two when it’s approaching its expiration date.
On the other hand, if the Rockets wish to avoid shelling out money for a veteran, there may be another route available to get this deal done.
