The Houston Rockets are a whole new team. They’ve been one of the worst squads in the NBA for several years. This year, they’ve flipped the script. How did they do it?
Well, the Rockets revolutionized their defense. This team signed Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet this summer. It’s showing. The Rockets are one of the best teams in the league in terms of point prevention.
Offensively, they leave a lot to be desired. The Rockets struggled to put points on the board. Their second unit has an especially difficult time scoring.
Could they acquire Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz to fix those issues?
NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Collin Sexton
The Jazz are a whole new team as well. Unlike the Rockets, that’s not a compliment. The Jazz were competitive in 2022-23. In 2023-24, this team doesn’t look like it can hang.
This shouldn’t be particularly surprising. The Jazz got off to a hot start last year. It felt like teams didn’t know how to defend their brand-new roster. Once opponents adjusted, the Jazz started losing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
Now, they’re continuing to lose. Perhaps that’s why it’s been heavily rumored that the Jazz could move a lot of players leading up to this year’s deadline.
Should they send Sexton to the Rockets?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Trading Sexton makes sense. The Jazz should be rebuilding, and he’s under contract for a few years. The only question is whether this is the right return. Is it?
Some Jazz fans will answer “no”. We understand. Sexton is productive. He’s only 24. Why can’t the Jazz get a first-round pick for him? How is this a fair deal?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
Well, Sexton is injury-prone. His long-term contract is as much of a risk as it is a benefit. In all likelihood, a first-rounder won’t be his market value. With that in mind, three seconds and a pair of expiring contracts ought to satisfy the Jazz.
Should the Rockets give all of that up for Sexton?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
We alluded to the Rockets acquiring Sexton to bolster their second unit. That may or may not be the case. As much success as they’ve had this year, Jalen Green is struggling.
The Rockets could opt to start Sexton and have their recent lottery pick man the second unit. They should be interested in Sexton either way. He can create shots for himself and his teammates.
Sexton is also a capable point-of-attack defender – he won’t force the Rockets to compromise their identity on that end of the floor. Meanwhile, Houston has had more success with Jeff Green at the 5 than they have with Jock Landale.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets Updates
Oladipo isn’t even playing. Finally, Houston has too many young players to concern themselves with parting with some second-round picks. Sexton could help them continue to forge a new identity.
