Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Houston Rockets had a plan. They’d been among the worst teams in the NBA for years. The plan was to acquire some veteran players and change their fortunes.
For the most part, it’s worked out. Fred VanVleet has provided a steady hand at point guard. Dillon Brooks remains one of the best defensive wings in the NBA – and he’s shooting efficiently, too. Meanwhile, young players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason are making significant strides.
On the other hand, Jalen Green has struggled. This was not part of the plan. With that in mind, the Rockets could use an upgrade in their backcourt rotation.
Could they acquire Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Collin Sexton, F/C Kelly Olynyk
By contrast, the summer before had been a busy one for the Jazz. It was a different type of busy. The Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. By all appearances, they had a plan too.
Many assumed that the plan involved tanking for Victor Wembanyama. If it did, the plan went awry. The Jazz started the year off hot and eventually cooled down.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
As a result, they landed the 9th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. This year, the team has regressed. What’s the plan now? The Jazz have a lot of draft capital – they could trade for a star.
Should they be sellers leading up to the deadline instead?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
In a word – yes. Things may not have gone according to plan for Utah, but they’re still in a good position. This team has some intriguing young talent and one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA.
Keyonte George has stood out among that group of young talent. That’s part of why they’d move Sexton – they’re similar players, and George is younger. Sexton’s injury history may not allow the Jazz to land a first-round pick for him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
If they include Olynyk? That’s a different story. The Jazz should be able to net a first-rounder between the pair – with some second-rounders to spare. Should the Rockets give up all that draft capital?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets certainly improved. Still, there are holes in this roster. Even if Green turns his season around, they could use a guard in their second unit who can create some offense.
Sexton can do that. He’s also a hardworking player who defends well. He’d be the perfect addition to this team. Still, Jock Landale’s poor performance this season has left the Rockets with a need for a backup big man as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
Why not reunite with Olynyk? He’s a combo big who can play next to Sengun and behind him. His ability to space the floor and pass would make him useful for this team. If he’s available, the Rockets should make him part of the plan.
