Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal 

Of course, the Rockets enter any trade negotiation with entirely opposite motives from the Heat. 

With that in mind, it’s hard to say with certainty whether the Rockets would play Robinson in 2022-23 at all. On the one hand, he could improve their functionality. Last year, the Rockets were among the league’s leaders in three-pointers attempted – but among the league’s worst teams in three-point percentage. 

Robinson helps with that cause. On the other hand, the Rockets are losing their best shooter here in Gordon – it could be a wash. Either way, the Rockets aren’t interested in how this trade impacts their performance in 2022-23. 

They’re here for the first-round pick. The Rockets would now have three first-round selections in the 2023 draft: this one, Milwaukee’s, and their own. Theoretically, they could package their two outsourced picks to move up. In an exceedingly strong draft class, that could be invaluable for this organization. 

Are the players they’re sending Cleveland worth the Cavaliers’ time?