Houston Rockets Land Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Eric Gordon, F Jae’Sean Tate, C Boban Marjanovic, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – BKN via HOU) 

Houston Rockets Receive: G Kyrie Irving 

A team’s draft situation can have a significant impact on the way it makes decisions in relation to its draft picks. 

Let’s take the Houston Rockets as an example. Throughout the last few years, they have been tanking in order to maximize their lottery odds. If the Rockets are to have their top-4 pick protected next season, then the tank will have to stop – the Oklahoma City Thunder owes the Rockets their pick. 

With that in mind, they may be able to justify upgrading their roster now. Irving would be a great addition for the team, as it has a particularly dire need at point guard. 

As for the Nets, they have some control over their own future now that they have returned here. The advantage of owning your own picks is that you have the freedom to tank if you so desire. There will be a great deal of benefit to the team if Durant requests his own trade.  

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Houston Rockets Updates

On the other hand, the Nets may prefer to try to entice Durant to win now. The Houston Rockets may prefer to continue tanking this season. If so, this next deal may suit the Nets.