The Rockets suffered a three-game losing streak after losing to the Suns on the road, leaving only a theoretical possibility of making the playoffs this season. The current fourth-to-last ranking in the West is very embarrassing for general manager Rafael Stone, which can neither get back the 2024 first-round pick (1-4 pick protection) given to the Thunder, nor can it enter the playoffs. The Thunder have grown so much this season that they currently sit second in the Western Conference standings, but no one believes that a team with a severe lack of playoff experience can win an NBA championship. Recently, there has been a trade rumor related to these two teams, so let's take a look at them together.
According to the American media "NBA Analysis", the Rockets, Thunder, and Magic are expected to discuss a three-way deal in the offseason this summer
1. The Rockets sent Jock Landale + 3 future second-round picks to get Moritz Wagner + Isaiah Joe;
2. The Thunder sent Usman Kiang + Isaiah Joe + Kenrich Williams + 2024 Clippers first-round pick + 2025 76ers first-round pick Jalen Suggs + 3 future second-round picks;
3. The Magic sent Jalen Suggs + Moritz Wagner to get Usman Gion + Kenrich Williams + Jock Landale + 2 future first-round picks.
The Rockets are interested in acquiring the Magic's 26-year-old versatile forward, Big Wagner, who helped Germany win the World Cup last summer, beating the U.S. men's basketball team in the semifinals and averaging 18In 5 minutes of playing time, he can contribute 113 points 46 rebounds 12 assists and 59 percent shooting3%。The Magic team already has a player in the same position, Wagner Jr., who is 4 years younger than his brother Big Wagner, and is more efficient on both offensive and defensive ends, so Big Wagner is not for sale for Magic management. The Rockets have been weak on the offensive end this season, with general manager Rafael Stone looking to add firepower on the offensive end, and Big Wagner, who ranks 13th in the league in shooting percentage, could add more tactical options to head coach Udoka.
Isaiah Joe is 24 years old and 191 meters, arm span 201 meters, weighs 75 kilograms, plays as a shooting guard on the court, and has played 55 games for the Thunder this season, averaging 84 points 23 rebounds 11 assist, 43% three-point shooting. He is the Thunder's bench bandit this season, with almost no missed three-point shots, and although his physical fitness is average and his athleticism is not good enough, with one trick that eats all over the world, and the three-point shot alone is enough for Joe to gain a foothold in the NBA league. The deal for the Thunder, starting point guard Josh Keady has been affected by an underage affair and has not performed well this season, and his offensive efficiency ranks last in the league, which will be the Thunder's biggest concern in the playoffs.
There are already a number of teams in the league that have adopted a more targeted strategy against the Thunder, and letting Keady go and choosing to pack Alexander is one of the most effective. Suggs is Keady's rookie in the same class, with two-way guard attributes, not only is he skilled in ball handling skills, he has an outstanding overall view, and his three-point shooting percentage this season is also ranked first in the Magic team, and the Thunder will undoubtedly become a strong contender for the championship if they can get Suggs to do so.