The Houston Rockets are looking to put the NBA on notice. This team has been in the league’s gutter for three years. The Rockets have been tanking. If you’ve been paying attention to their offseason, they aren’t tanking anymore.
The Rockets had a busy summer. This team signed Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jock Landale, Jeff Green and Reggie Bullock. The Rockets are trying to shift their culture – and win games in the process. It may not be easy. The Rockets won’t contend for the NBA title this season. Still, look for the organization to take a step forward.
What else does this team need? Well, they could use some depth at center. Landale has some value, but he’s not an optimal option in every situation. Could the Rockets acquire Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their bid to improve?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – HOU or BKN)
Houston Rockets Receive: F/C Naz Reid, G/F Troy Brown Jr.
With that said, it hasn’t been a summer of pure optimism in Houston. There is a dark cloud hanging over this franchise. Kevin Porter Jr. was charged with domestic assault this summer. By all accounts, his actions were unforgivable.
For some time, it’s been suggested that some have seen Porter Jr. as the future of this franchise. Others would disagree. Porter Jr. has been one of the most polarizing players in the NBA over recent years. He’s been running point for the Rockets, and that hasn’t looked good. Still, some hoped that Porter Jr.’s talents would translate once he was moved back into off-ball role.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves & Houston Rockets Updates
Now, that’s all moot. Porter Jr. may not have a future in the NBA. He probably shouldn’t ever touch the floor again. If he does, it ought to come after years of intensive therapy. Why would the Timberwolves acquire this guy?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
The Timberwolves aren’t doing this deal to acquire Porter Jr. No NBA team is going to do that. They’re doing it to acquire his contract. The Wolves can simply release Porter Jr. as soon as the league is done investigating his charges. For Minnesota, this is a cost-cutting measure.
That might be a smart idea for this team. After all, the Wolves have a lot of money tied to big men. Between Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Reid, too much of their salary cap is committed to players who are best at the 5. Here, they’re flipping one of them for, effectively, an expiring contract – and a first-round pick, of course.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves & Houston Rockets Updates
As it stands, the Wolves are light on draft capital. They sent out a staggering four first-rounders to acquire Gobert. Getting one back – and salary relief in the process – is a sensible decision for this organization. Is Reid a smart acquisition for the Rockets?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Frankly, this may come down to how much faith the Rockets have in Jock Landale. He’s a bit of a complicated player. Landale is a heady player who works hard. He’s a solid positional player. On the other hand, he’s got limited lateral mobility and he doesn’t space the floor.
By contrast, Reid is relatively quick on his feet. He’s not a stout defender, but he may be able to manage a wider range of schemes than Landale. Still, the Rockets would mainly be bringing in Reid for his offence. He’s a strong floor spacing big who can score inside with a solid collection of face-up moves.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves & Houston Rockets Updates
He may also be a perfect fit alongside Amen Thompson. The Rockets’ recent lottery pick has a remarkable bag of tools, but shooting isn’t in it. Pairing him with a floor-spacing big will provide him with more driving and passing lanes. That should help the Rockets continue to ascend in the process.
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