Sometimes, NBA teams want to lose. If you’re a fan of the league, you’re surely familiar with the concept of “tanking”. In case you’re unfamiliar, teams tank when they lose on purpose to maximize their draft position.
At the same time, eventually, the tank has to stop. A team can’t lose forever – that would defeat the purpose of tanking. Once a team feels that they have enough talent, they have to start plugging the holes in their roster.
That’s what the Houston Rockets tried to do this summer. For the most part, they succeeded. The Rockets added some badly needed defense and playmaking to their roster. With that said, they could still use an injection of shooting.
What if they acquired Doug McDermott of the San Antonio Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land San Antonio Spurs’ Doug McDermott
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: F Doug McDermott
With that said, there’s plenty of debate around when a team ought to stop losing – and how. Some will suggest that it’s best to continue tanking until your team is winning games on the merit of their young core.
This summer, it was evident that the Rockets don’t subscribe to that policy. After all, the Rockets were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season. It was their third consecutive season in that position.
The Rockets didn’t grow organically – they forced growth. They signed Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and others to make sure that they were a respectable team in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets Updates
So far, the plan has worked. At the same time, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic have been enjoying success without having broken the bank on veterans. Which direction will the Spurs choose?
What does this deal do for their long-term outlook?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
One thing is clear – the Spurs are still tanking. Even after drafting Victor Wembanyama, they remain one of the worst teams in the NBA.
Perhaps that’s why it’s being rumored that they’ll shop McDermott, Cedi Osman, and Devonte’ Graham at this year’s deadline.
In all likelihood, they won’t receive a first-round pick for McDermott. He’s a low-usage role player who struggles on the defensive end at times. With that in mind, a trio of second-rounders ought to do.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets Updates
So should an expiring contract. The Spurs aren’t likely to factor Oladipo into their plans, but they’ll be happy to watch his deal come off of their books next season.
Should the Rockets part with the veteran guard?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
In all fairness, McDermott’s contract is also expiring. That could be an argument against this move for the Rockets. Why are they giving up three second-round picks for a potential one-year rental?
Well, the Rockets already have a lot of young players to develop. They’ve got the Brooklyn Nets’ pick in the 2024 draft. This team only has so much room to develop young players.
Moving some second-round picks for a veteran with a needed skillset could be the right move for this team. If they agree, McDermott would be perfect.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets Updates
He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA, and the Rockets are light on shooting. The Rockets should be interested in him – after all, their only goal is to win.
