It’s been a rough few seasons for the Houston Rockets. For fans of this team, it’s been a culture shock. The Rockets have historically been a competitive team. Over the last few years, they’ve been one of the worst teams in the NBA.
Largely, that’s been by design. The Rockets have been tanking. Now, they’ve got one of the best collections of young talent in the NBA to show for it.
This season, the tank is over. The Rockets brought in big-name free agents like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this summer. They’re trying to win games in 2023-24. Could they acquire Steven Adams as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Steven Adams
Meanwhile, it had been a hopeful period for the Memphis Grizzlies – until last year, that is. This team never tanked. They were the Grit-and-Grind Grizzlies under Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Eventually, they’d decide to rebuild, but it didn’t take long.
That’s what happens when you draft Ja Morant. This is a point guard who was ready to go from day one. Unfortunately, he gave Memphis some problems in 2022-23.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Houston Rockets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Nobody is concerned with Morant’s talent. On the other hand, his off-court activities have been deeply concerning. Now, the Grizzlies are looking to make a culture change. Will this deal help them?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Morant wasn’t the only member of the Grizzlies making trouble last year. Dillon Brooks’ outspoken personality seemed to wear on the team over time as well. Ironically, he’s now a Rocket. Now, the Grizzlies are tasked with replacing him. So far, they haven’t managed to do so.
That’s part of the team’s logic here. Tate isn’t as strong of a defender as Brooks, but he’s still above average. Meanwhile, he offers solid connective passing as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Houston Rockets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Moreover, Memphis has a glut of bigs. Perhaps they don’t want to part with Adams – that would be fair. On the other hand, all of the other big men on this roster are much younger. Throw in a pair of second-round picks, and this deal could motivate Memphis to clear up their logjam. Should the Rockets make it?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Rockets don’t have to make this deal. After all, they also signed Jock Landale this summer. He’s solid in his own right. On the other hand, he’s no Adams.
In fact, Adams is a starting-caliber player. That could turn some Rockets fans off of this deal as well. Shouldn’t they commit to Alperen Sengun?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Steven Adams, Houston Rockets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Sure. With that said, Sengun has shown himself to be an offensively gifted but defensively limited big over his first two years in the NBA. That’s why the Rockets signed Landale – and Adams is a significant upgrade. He may even help them have a better season in 2023-24.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
