As the NBA trade deadline draws near, the Rockets’ goals change

The recent trade between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies, where Houston sent three second-round picks and Victor Oladipo for injured center Steven Adams, raised eyebrows initially. Despite speculation that the Rockets were aiming to enhance their roster for the current postseason, the acquisition of Adams suggested a more patient approach.

Before landing Adams, there were widespread rumors about the Rockets’ interest in acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Talks included the potential inclusion of Jalen Green in trade packages, but discussions with Brooklyn did not progress.

While the idea of trading Green led some to believe that Houston was accelerating its rebuilding process, the Adams trade signals a willingness to exercise patience in the play-in tournament and playoffs. The Rockets, currently 11th in the Western Conference, had already traded two second-round picks and Kevin Porter Jr.’s salary for Oladipo’s contract in October.

Houston’s approach appears more opportunistic in improving its roster rather than a drastic shift into win-now mode. This aligns with the franchise’s historical tendency to explore opportunities to upgrade. The Rockets, armed with future draft picks, salary flexibility, and young assets, were reportedly prepared to enter the market for a disgruntled All-Star like Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, or Zion Williamson if available this season. However, no such player is currently on the trade market.

While the Rockets continue to explore ways to enhance their roster before the trade deadline, any significant deals are more likely to materialize in the upcoming offseason.

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Milwaukee’s Aggressive Approach:

Following a midseason coaching change, the Milwaukee Bucks are determined to enhance their roster actively, described as “shopping hard for help” by a league source. The Bucks’ potential outgoing packages are limited, involving the No. 35 pick, Pat Connaughton, and Cam Payne. To pursue higher-salary players like Dejounte Murray, Bruce Brown, or Andrew Wiggins, sources suggest including Bobby Portis would be necessary.

Washington’s Trade Considerations:

In the realm of smaller-scale trades, Wizards guard Delon Wright has surfaced in conversations with the Bucks, although it remains uncertain if he is a prominent option. Wright, an eight-year veteran, has garnered interest due to his market value and the Wizards’ asking price in comparison to Tyus Jones.

Orlando’s Trade Speculations:

There have been murmurs within the league about the Orlando Magic targeting veteran point guards, particularly Chris Paul in Golden State and Kyle Lowry in Charlotte. However, sources indicate that these rumors are not accurate. Orlando may consider adding Lowry if he reaches the buyout market, but there is currently no trade interest in making a deal with the Hornets or the Warriors.

Orlando’s team composition, featuring rangy defensive-minded athletes, makes pursuing an aging, smaller floor general incongruent. While the Magic seek perimeter shooting, sources suggest they won’t pursue upgrades unless the long-range threat also contributes positively on the defensive end. Notably, Kevin Huerter is not on the Magic’s wish list.

Charlotte’s Trade Dynamics:

Phoenix is reportedly the leading suitor for Charlotte forward Miles Bridges, seen as a strong fit with their core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The Suns, however, have limited draft capital, offering only second-round picks. While Phoenix is open to including Josh Okogie in a package for Bridges, Charlotte hopes to secure a first-round pick in return.

If unsuccessful, Charlotte has upcoming cap space to re-sign Bridges, potentially increasing his trade value next season. Bridges, playing on a one-year qualifying offer, holds veto power in any trade. Detroit and Utah are also connected to Bridges, while PJ Washington, another Hornets forward, is drawing interest from Dallas. The Clippers’ reported pursuit of Washington seems outdated, with sources describing it as “bad info.”

New York’s Trade Scenarios:

The New York Knicks express genuine interest in Washington and are exploring various options. The Knicks are more inclined towards Toronto guard Bruce Brown Jr., for whom the Raptors seek a return of approximately a first-round pick. The Knicks appear hesitant to part with Quentin Grimes unless it involves upgrading their roster rather than swapping for a lesser rotational player. Grimes remains a target for Atlanta and Utah, with players like Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Clarkson on the Knicks’ radar, according to league sources.

Potential Decision on Dejounte Murray’s Future:

Despite the Atlanta Hawks making most of their roster available for trades, they have experienced success with four consecutive wins, prominently featuring Dejounte Murray’s contributions. Murray played a pivotal role in victories against Phoenix and Golden State, hitting a clutch jumper to force overtime against the Warriors and scoring seven points in the Hawks’ 11-0 run during the extra period.

Throughout the ongoing trade discussions, sources familiar with Atlanta’s stance have emphasized that there is no urgency to trade Murray before the deadline. Drawing parallels with John Collins’ situations in previous years, where he lingered on the trade block without Atlanta accepting offers, the Hawks appear patient with Murray. It’s worth noting that Atlanta believes it can secure the desired draft capital, including at least two first-round picks, for the former All-Star point guard in the upcoming summer. Teams gain access to future picks once the calendar flips to 2024-25, providing more flexibility in trade negotiations. For instance, the Lakers will become eligible to trade two additional future selections during the draft.

The scarcity of teams possessing legitimate first-round assets for trade before the deadline is evident league-wide. Moreover, the more stringent salary-matching rules for tax teams have posed increased challenges for front offices navigating the trade landscape.

Updates on Point Guards Across the League:

Coby White, once considered available around last year’s trade deadline and before the 2023 NBA Draft, is now deemed off-limits in Chicago, according to sources. This shift is attributed to White’s breakout season. With Zach LaVine undergoing season-ending surgery, the Bulls are expected to retain him, leaving reserve center Andre Drummond as the most likely Chicago player to be moved before Thursday’s deadline, as per sources. While Alex Caruso has attracted interest from postseason contenders, the Bulls’ asking price for the guard is reported to be steep.

In Los Angeles, Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, part of outgoing trade conversations, is on track to return by early March. Vincent underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in late December, with an 8-10 week recovery period. Sources indicate that he has been progressing according to schedule during his recovery.

These developments provide a comprehensive overview of the current dynamics surrounding Dejounte Murray’s future with the Atlanta Hawks and updates on point guards in the league, shedding light on the intricacies of trade discussions, player availability, and recovery timelines.