Rockets: Chips and challenges before the new season
Tapping into the team's potential, in exchange for a sharp turn?
Recently, internal news came out of the Houston team, and the two young players who were expected to be high, Jalen Green and Shen Jing, have experienced a sharp decline in form, and their attitudes have also been significantly contrasted. The owner of the team was so unhappy with the situation that they had even informed general manager Stone and head coach Udoka that they would have the right to rebuild the team. As the team's contract extensions with these two players are nearing completion, a summer trade storm could sweep in. It is reported that considering the poor performance of Dillon Brooks and VanVleet, the Rockets may actively pursue multiple trade options, including Brogdon, Grant and R Wei of the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the latest news, the Rockets management expressed a strong interest in Grant. After discussions with the coaching staff and other members of management, Stone was willing to use the first-round pick as a major bargaining chip in exchange for Grant. The player's stats have been excellent this season, mainly in the number four position, and his flexibility and scoring ability are undoubtedly what the team needs. And the reason why the Trail Blazers are willing to listen to the trade may be because they want to exchange Grant for more chips. However, for the Rockets, the first-round pick is just the beginning, and they need to think about how to further replenish their trade chips.
Jalen Green's trade value may not be high, and Shin Kyung's situation is also worrying. Unless the Trail Blazers can offer a R and a strong blue-collar player, they won't be interested in those two players. In addition, if the Rockets are going to drop Shin Kyung, the Trail Blazers will also have to consider whether they need to clean up the internal roster, such as sending Ayton away. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that Trail Blazers management may make a bold move in the summer trading market.
If Grant joins the Rockets, he could play the role of No. 3 on the team. Dillon and VanVleet could be one of the bargaining chips in the trade. Both Stone and Udoka will be under intense pressure to build their team's tactics around Whitmore and Amen Thompson next season. Grant is a reliable player with excellent physicality and versatile skills, and believes he can make a positive impact on the team. For the Rockets, the addition of Grant will greatly enhance the team's competitiveness.
This summer, the rocket faces great challenges and opportunities. They need to use their chips smartly in the trade market to find the best combination for their team. The current decline in results has sparked alarm among the team's management, who need to act quickly to ensure the stability of the team in the future. At the same time, it is also crucial to strengthen the ability of the coaching staff, and only through all-round upgrades and adjustments can the Rockets re-emerge in the new season.
This summer is destined to be a storm in the NBA trade market, and the Rockets, as a member of it, will face major challenges and opportunities. They need to remain calm when it comes to choosing trade chips and recruiting players, while constantly improving their competitiveness. Only then will the Rockets be able to show their strength again in future games and make the fans cheer.