Fans of rebuilding NBA teams want to see organic growth. That isn’t always realistic. Teams may tank to acquire lottery talent. When that process is over, owners have usually grown impatient. There are tickets to sell – it’s time to start winning games.
That’s how the Houston Rockets feel. This team has been tanking for several years now. This summer, they acquired veterans like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Reggie Bullock Jr.
This is an organization that is intent on righting the ship. Recently, they acquired another veteran. The Rockets sent Kevin Porter Jr. to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As part of their return, they received Victor Oladipo. In all likelihood, they’re mostly interested in flipping his salary for another roster upgrade throughout the season.
Could they send him to the Detroit Pistons for Alec Burks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Houston Rockets Land Alec Burks
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Alec Burks
Are the Rockets doing the right thing? That depends on who you ask. There are endless competing philosophies about how a team should rebuild. Some will suggest that tanking was a mistake in the first place. They feel that it ruins a team’s culture.
Sure. On the other hand, that’s exactly what the Rockets are trying to correct. This team deliberately targeted hard-working veterans and a defensive-minded head coach this summer.
Meanwhile, the Rockets wouldn’t have one of the most impressive collections of young players in the NBA if they hadn’t played the lottery odds. In the end, there’s no “right way” to build a team. You need talent, and you need luck.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets Updates
Just ask the Pistons. They acquired plenty of veteran talent to complement their young core last summer. Ultimately, Cade Cunningham would miss most of the season with an injury.
Should the Pistons turn around and send one of those veterans to Houston?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do This Deal
We’ll give you three reasons why the Pistons should move Burks: Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson. Even Killian Hayes continues to intrigue. The Pistons have a lot of young guard talent, and Burks is impeding their developmental path.
With this deal, they’re clearing the runway for their young lottery picks. That’s not all they’re doing. Oladipo is on an expiring contract.
Granted, so is Burks, but he’s not someone you let walk in free agency. The Pistons are getting some value for him before he tests the open market.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets Updates
In all likelihood, they’re getting market value. Burks is helpful, but he won’t yield an unprotected first. With that in mind, a trio of second-rounders should satisfy the Pistons.
Should the Rockets give them up for Burks?
Why The Houston Rockets Do This Deal
The Rockets have young backcourt talent too, but they aren’t logjammed like the Pistons. Jalen Green is entrenched as the starter, and Amen Thompson is the backup point guard.
The Rockets could use a backup off-guard. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Porter Jr. is no longer part of their plans. Burks feels like a suitable replacement. He’s a Swiss Army knife of a player.
Burks is a knockdown shooter who can set teammates up and defend. He’ll be a meaningful addition to this team’s roster. For the Rockets, that’s the current priority. This team is looking to make a leap in the standings.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets Updates
They won’t hesitate to part with second-round picks if it means adding an impact player. Whether that’s the right way to rebuild or not is up to you
