NBA rivalries aren’t always built to last. Sometimes, one member of the rivalry heads in a different direction. Once meaningful games become boring exhibitions. One team’s time in the sun is up, while the other is still basking in theirs.
For example, take the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. These were the two premier teams in the Western Conference for some time. The Warriors were the perennial title favorites, but the Rockets were nipping at their heels. The Rockets have fallen on hard times over the last few seasons, whereas the Warriors have remained in title contention.
With that said, the tide could turn once again. The Rockets have been tanking to maximize their lottery odds. Now, they’re finished. This team added several critical free agents over the summer. By contrast, the Warriors are aging and may have to start managing their salary cap soon. Could they start by sending Andrew Wiggins to their former rivals?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
What happened to the Rockets? It isn’t complicated. James Harden requested a trade. By contrast, Steph Curry has never seemed to want to play on a team besides the Warriors. The reason for that difference isn’t difficult to figure out either.
The Warriors have won several NBA titles over the last decade. In the end, the Rockets were also-rans. This team’s decision to compete with the Warriors as they were assembling their dynasty was noble. The Rockets fielded a lot of good teams over the years. In the end, they just couldn’t get over the hump.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & Houston Rockets Updates
Now, they’re trying to build back towards contention. It will be a long road. Still, the 2023-24 season is supposed to mark the beginning of the next phase of the Rockets’ plan. Would acquiring Wiggins help them execute that plan?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Some Rockets fans won’t like this deal. To be sure, the team has a deep collection of wings. Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore are the future. Moreover, the Rockets just added Dillon Brooks in free agency. Why would they acquire Wiggins?
If you haven’t noticed, Brooks is a complicated player. He’s one of the best defensive wings in the game, but his shot is wildly inconsistent. The Rockets may want some insurance. Wiggins should do. He’s one of the most consistent 3-and-D wings in the NBA, and he offers a little bit of shot creation as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & Houston Rockets Updates
Meanwhile, the Rockets shouldn’t mind paying this price. Porter Jr. won’t be part of this team this year – more on that later. Tate is another wing with a questionable jump shot. Parting with an unprotected first may sting, but the Rockets are likely done with developing young talent anyway. They may opt for a surer thing like Wiggins. Should the Warriors give him up?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors are mostly financially motivated here. They certainly aren’t acquiring Porter Jr. as a player. He was charged with domestic assault this summer. It’s unclear whether he’ll ever play in the NBA again, and if he does, it won’t be for the Warriors. They’re acquiring Porter Jr. so they can waive him. This deal gives Golden State tremendous cap relief.
For what it’s worth, they should like Tate. He may be an inconsistent shooter, but he does just about everything else. Tate can defend multiple positions and make plays for teammates. He’s a high feel, useful utility wing that should fit right in on the Warriors.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors & Houston Rockets Updates
Yet, the first-round pick is the most appealing asset that the Warriors are landing here. The Brooklyn Nets could end up just about anywhere in the standings this year. This is a volatile asset, but it could be an extremely valuable one. In time, it could help the Warriors start a whole new Western Conference rivalry.
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