Houston Rockets

Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Eric Gordon, F Jae’Sean Tate, F Kenyon Martin Jr., 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL via HOU)

Houston Rockets Receive: F Andrew Wiggins

Some will argue that the Houston Rockets would be acting prematurely here. Why surrender assets for Wiggins when they can simply make a run at him in free agency next summer? Well, let’s take a look at what the Rockets are actually giving up here.

Their potential interest in moving Gordon is well-documented. Meanwhile, Martin Jr.’s own interest in moving is a poorly kept secret. From that perspective, they’d be moving Tate, two expendable players, and a first-rounder for Wiggins.

Tate is good, but Wiggins is a distinctive upgrade. Furthermore, he’s only a year older. Parting with a first-round pick stings, but given that it belongs to the Bucks, it’s unlikely to convey inside the top 20.

Making this deal may limit any “tanking” aspirations the Houston Rockets have this year. At the same time, it’s unlikely to launch the worst team in the NBA out of the lottery on its own. If the Rockets are interested in pursuing a more gradual path back to relevancy, this deal ought to interest them.

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As for the Golden State Warriors, adding three rotation players who each replicate some of Wiggins’ skills ought to keep them in the title picture next season. Meanwhile, Gordon is on an expiring contract, and getting an extra first-round pick, for a contending team, is a rare opportunity.