The Houston Rockets have been among the worst teams in the NBA for years. From a win-now perspective, they’ve had a lot of needs. Frankly, they’ve needed just about everything. It hasn’t mattered – the Rockets haven’t been in win-now mode.
Now, they’re trying to change that. So, this summer, the Rockets satisfied a lot of their needs. Most notably, they shored up their defense.
Acquiring players like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, and Reggie Bullock ensured that. After experimenting at the point guard spot for several seasons, the Rockets also added some playmaking.
Does Houston have any remaining needs? Sure. This team needs floor spacing. The Rockets are light on shooting. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if they try to add a knockdown shooter throughout the season.
How about Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Houston Rockets Land Tim Hardaway Jr.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr.
Fans of these two Texan teams will inevitably compare themselves to one another. The Rockets and Mavericks are both storied franchises with rich histories. Which one has had more success?
That depends on your measure. The Mavericks have a more recent championship run. They’ve been more relevant over the last several seasons as well.
On the other hand, the Rockets won back-to-back titles in the 90s. By contrast, the Mavericks’ last title was the only one in their history. The Rockets have a better all-time win percentage as well. In the end, it doesn’t matter. As it stands, these teams have vastly different outlooks.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Tim Hardaway Jr, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets have an impressive collection of young talent, but it’s unproven. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have two of the best players in the NBA: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Does this deal help Dallas support them?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do This Deal
After this deal, Dallas would be a bit light on movement shooting as well. With that said, they’ve still got Seth Curry as a shooting specialist. More broadly, that’s part of the point here – the Mavericks are lacking depth. This deal is partly designed to help them shore that up in time.
That starts with acquiring Tate. The Mavericks could use a defensive wing. Tate can guard multiple positions, and he’s a solid playmaker as well.
Still, Hardaway Jr. is a more impactful player. That’s why Dallas is landing a pair of second-rounders as well. In time, they could use those assets to make another deal.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Tim Hardaway Jr, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets Updates
Finally, Oladpio is on an expiring contract. This deal gives Dallas some cap relief heading into next summer. Even if it doesn’t make them better now, it could help them improve in a reasonably short window.
What does it do for the Rockets?
Why The Houston Rockets Do This Deal
The Rockets don’t need to worry about cap relief. By the time their key players are making significant money, Fred VanVleet will have a team option on his deal. The Rockets already have financial flexibility. They can afford Hardaway Jr.
They also need a player like him. Hardaway Jr. is the type of movement shooter who will open up the floor for playmakers like VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson.
The Rockets are looking to take a step forward this season. In all likelihood, they’ll need a floor spacer in order to accomplish that goal. They may not need Tate. This team has a logjam of wings. Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, Reggie Bullock, and Cameron Whitmore should all get minutes in this team’s rotation.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Tim Hardaway Jr, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets Updates
Tate may be the odd man out. If the Rockets flipped him for Hardaway Jr., they might not be one of the worst teams in the NBA for much longer.
