The 2023-24 NBA season has been one of extremes for the Houston Rockets. This team can’t buy a win on the road. On the other hand, they can hardly lose at home.
They’ve got one of the league’s best defenses and one of the league’s worst offenses. Let’s take a step back. It’s been a successful season for the Rockets so far.
They’re hovering around .500. After several seasons in the league’s basement, that’s progress. The Rockets planned on improving this year, and so far, they have.
Are they missing anything? Sure. The Rockets could use a backup big man. With that said, they could also use an influx of shooting.
Could they look to satisfy the latter need by acquiring Gary Trent Jr. from the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Toronto Raptors’ Gary Trent Jr.
Toronto Raptors receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
Meanwhile, it’s been the opposite type of year for the Raptors. They’re on an even keel. They can win at home or on the road. They’re passable on both ends of the floor.
This isn’t a good thing. Why not? Well, the Raptors are built for more. With Pascal Siakam on this roster, the Raptors are expected to compete. Their young core isn’t as impressive as Houston’s.
The Raptors wanted to be in win-now mode. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, a coaching change was supposed to get them there.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Instead, the Raptors are roughly the same team that they were last season. This is a problem. At some point, this team is going to have to make some difficult choices.
Should they start by sending Trent Jr. to the Rockets?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Last year, we would have said no. If anything has been extreme about the Raptors’ season, it’s been Trent Jr.’s fluctuation in play. Unfortunately, it’s been a negative change.
Trent Jr. is struggling mightily this season. So, the Raptors ought to trade him if they’re rebuilding. Sure, Trent Jr. is young. He’s also in a contract year.
The Raptors won’t be eager to extend him, given his production in 2023-24. This is the type of return that they should expect.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Trent Jr. is playing poorly, and he’s a potential half-year rental. So, they should be happy to move him for a pair of second-round picks and some more expiring contracts.
Should the Rockets even give that much up for Trent Jr.?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
When the Rockets set out to improve ahead of 2023-24, they turned to free agency. Most of the choices that they made have paid dividends.
Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks have been positive for this team. Unfortunately, Jock Landale has been a disappointment. That’s fine – Landale has a team option this summer.
Still, that makes him a potentially attractive trade chip as well. The Rockets should be looking to cobble his salary along with Oladipo’s and some draft capital to improve.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets Updates
Why not take a buy-low opportunity on Trent Jr.? His play could improve with a change of scenery. If it doesn’t, they can let him walk next summer anyway. If all goes well, Trent Jr. can help them stabilize in 2023-24.
