It’s official – the Houston Rockets look like an NBA team. For years on end, that hasn’t been the case. The Rockets have been at the bottom of the NBA’s barrel. Now, they look like they’re ready to compete.
This team has a lot of young talent. Alperen Sengun is emerging as an All-Star caliber player. Jalen Green isn’t far off either. With the addition of veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets are suddenly competent. Are they ready for a playoff push?
Not likely. This team has improved, but they still have holes. The Rockets could use a backup big man. They also need some shooting.
Could they address the latter need by acquiring Luke Kennard from the Memphis Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Memphis Grizzlies’ Luke Kennard
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Luke Kennard
Imagine you’ve woken up from a two-year coma. You’re shown the NBA standings but without team names. In all likelihood, you’d assume that the Grizzlies were the Rockets, and the Rockets were the Grizzlies.
Then, you’d ask why the Grizzlies were having such an underwhelming season. You’d be told that Ja Morant was suspended, and Steven Adams was injured.
That makes sense, you’d say to yourself. You would understand why the Grizzlies were .500. Yet, you’d still be surprised to learn that the Grizzlies only had a single victory on the season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets Updates
Why isn’t Jaren Jackson Jr. carrying them you might ask? Didn’t Desmond Bane begin breaking out? What exactly is going on with Memphis? Does this deal help their situation?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Not exactly. This deal doesn’t help Memphis right now. If they do this deal, it’s likely because they’re waiving the white flag on the season. Memphis would be turning their attention to the 2024-25 season.
That would be reasonable. If Memphis wants to punt this season, this would be a good deal. They’d be saving some money for free agency.
Landale is on a long-term deal, but it’s a modest one. Oladipo’s deal is expiring. So, Memphis would be shedding Kennard’s deal. They might be happy to pick up some second-round picks, too.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets Updates
The Grizzlies have done well at acquiring rotation players closer to the end of the draft. Here, they’re giving themselves three opportunities to do that again.
Should the Rockets give up those opportunities?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Some Rockets fans will suggest that we’ve got them chasing their tails here. Sure, they’re adding shooting – at the expense of the only backup big that they’ve got. Can Houston afford to part with Landale?
Sure. After all, Landale has been a weak link for them this season. In all likelihood, they could target a free agent like Nerlens Noel or Dewayne Dedmon to cover his minutes.
Alternatively, they could simply move Jeff Green to the 5 on a full-time basis. Either way, they’ll benefit from adding Kennard. Sure, he’s having a shooting slump to begin this season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets Updates
Kennard has a full body of work to judge. He’s a reliable floor spacer, and the Rockets need floor spacing. After adding him, they may look like more than just an NBA team.
