The Rockets completed a trade in 2024 to acquire an injured starting center, Adams, from the Grizzlies in exchange for Oladipo and three future second-round picks. The deal also gave the Grizzlies a $3 million trade exception. Adams is 30 years old and 211 meters, arm span 225 meters, weighing 120 kilograms, will miss the entire 23-24 season due to last year's knee surgery, but will be fully fit. Last season, he averaged 27 minutes per game and contributed 86 points, 115 rebounds, 23 assists and 11 block and 59 percent from the field7%。The Rockets are hoping that Adams can be the center of the interior and set himself up for success next season.
In addition to Adams, Rockets management tried to get the Trail Blazers' Robert Williams as an interior player, but the addition of Adams prevented him from reuniting with head coach Udoka. Rockets management plans to acquire a strong interior player at minimal cost to prepare for next season. The five games the Rockets face are currently very difficult, including four consecutive road games against the Timberwolves, Pacers, Raptors and Hawks. Despite the difficult situation, head coach Udoka stressed that the goal of the season is to make the playoffs. Rockets management reportedly wants to send away one or more of Landale's, Jeff Green and Jasean Tate before the trade deadline to bolster the overall roster.
At the same time, they also did not rule out the possibility of trading Jalen Green and a first-round pick** for an All-Star-caliber player. Samamick revealed that while Jalen Green's form has picked up, the Rockets don't see him as a key player. General manager Stone is open and willing to trade him as a trade chip for an All-Star. However, Rockets management's attempt to use multiple draft picks, including Jalen Green and a 2024 Nets first-round pick, was rejected by Tsai. Rockets fans are glad the deal fell through, as Jalen Green has played well in his last five games, averaging 298 points, 72 rebounds and 3Eight assists and expected to be named to the All-Star team.
In addition, Bridges' arrival as a small forward could limit the growth of young players Whitmore, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson.