The Rockets are waiting for the rabbit and aiming for the big fish in the offseason? Big Stone is smart!
Before the trade deadline this season, the Rockets only made a small trade - using veteran Oladipo's one-year, $9.45 million expiring contract, plus three second-round picks in the year, in exchange for Grizzlies center Adams. While Adams was reimbursed for the season due to injury, the deal was considered very successful. The Rockets didn't make any other trades other than trading Adams for his expiring contract. They kept a variety of chips, including future first-round picks, young players, and expiring contracts. This is a sensible approach because it provides an opportunity for the Rockets to chase a superstar or All-Star caliber player in the offseason. Giving up the chance to make the playoffs this season is to better prepare for the challenges ahead. Rockets general manager Stone's style of action is far-sighted and strategic, and it is in the long-term interest of the team.
The Rockets' move to keep their chips is believed to be targeting the big fish in the offseason. Their goal is to chase a superstar or All-Star caliber player in the summer to boost the team's strength and competitiveness. Although the chance to make the playoffs this season was foregone, it was worth it. Because chasing a superstar or All-Star caliber player can instantly elevate your team and prepare you for future games. And Manager Stone's patience and decision not to initiate a trade showed that he was smart and strategic. This is done in order to wait for a more favorable moment to maximize the strength and competitiveness of the team.
The Rockets kept the "3 types of chips", which seemed to be waiting for the rabbit, but they were actually preparing for future developments. Not only do they have future first-round picks and young players, but they also have expiring contracts to trade. These chips provide a strong support for teams chasing superstars or All-Star caliber players in the offseason. Because in today's league, the value of superstar players is self-evident. Not only will they be able to improve the team, but they will also be able to attract more fans and sponsors. Therefore, the Rockets' move to keep their chips is commendable. Although the chance to make the playoffs this season was forfeited, it was a wise decision to better prepare for the challenges ahead.
Rockets general manager Stone is a very shrewd way of doing things. He knows the Rockets' record this season stops there, but he also knows the Rockets have a chance to make a comeback next season. Bringing in a superstar or All-Star caliber can instantly change the temperament and abilities of a Rockets. Therefore, in order to "catch the big fish" in the offseason, the Rockets need to temporarily drop a few things, such as the ultimate plan to make the playoffs this season. This patience is very shrewd, as it paves the way for Team Rocket's future development. The Rockets keep all sorts of competitive chips in order to chase a superstar or All-Star this summer. This approach is in line with Manager Stone's style of doing things and lays the foundation for the team's future development.