Thoughts on these trades for the Rockets?

Favorite Answer

I can't imagine that any real star in his prime really wants to play with James Harden. Harden's a fantastic individual isolation player but I can't see someone like Anthony Davis being happy mostly watching Harden isolate while just waiting "to be found" late in the shot clock only when Harden can't create a shot of his own. Don't get me wrong, I think that Pelicans/Rockets trade would be great for Houston from a value standpoint but I don't think Davis would be happy for long.

I don't see Wall at 100% being very happy or patient just watching Harden isolate all the time either. And if Wall isn't close to what he was pre-achilles injury (and it's very possible he won't be), then I think an older Chris Paul is a better fit than a less-than-100% John Wall would be because Paul has already accepted being a complimentary player to Harden and Paul is a better spot up shooter too.

If I were the Rockets, I'd probably try to build the team similarly to how the Heat and Cavs tried to build around LeBron James for years - get a bunch of catch-and-shoot veteran outside shooters if you're adding pieces and leave the rest of the team mostly alone. Let Harden isolate (because that's what he does best) and give him as many catch-and-shoot outside shooting options as possible when he can't get a good look....Show more

First trade, why would the Pelicans do that? Paul’s contract is an albatross and he’s old.

2nd trade, why would the Rockets do that? They get worse and are stuck with Wall’s horrible contract....Show more

The first scenario sounds okay- assuming that the Pelicans would agree to it and if Davis resigns with them if not I don't think its a good deal
The second scenario I don't like as much, because Howard is worthless at this point....Show more