Rockets 4 exchange 2 trading plan: 3 substitutes + 1 first round, 21+3 stars of the Clippers, and their shortcomings were filled

Although the Rockets are capable of completing big deals and they also have a lot of bargaining chips to exchange for superstars like Antetokounmpo or Durant, we also know that if the Rockets send a large number of players and first-round draft picks, we don’t know whether the Rockets’ future lineup strength can still reach the level of this season. After all, if you get such a superstar in trading, the Rockets will inevitably send more young players.

This season, the Rockets have won many games with a strong lineup composed of young players and veterans. But the problem is that if the Rockets dismantle the team and chase superstars next season, they can indeed get superstars, but their character player lineup will decline accordingly, and it may be more than worth the loss. So, if the Rockets can give out limited chips in the offseason to exchange for the players they need, it may be more helpful than chasing superstars.

For example, the Rockets now lack a player with stable scoring ability. Whether it is Shin Kyung, Jaylen Green, or Van Vreet, they do not have the ability to solve the offensive end. When encountering double-teams or tough defense, it will be difficult for them to output firepower normally.

NBA expert Hidat Gupta designed a four-for-two trading plan for the Rockets: the Rockets gave three substitutes and a first-round draft pick, which could exchange a scorer and a first-round draft pick from the Clippers. The specific plan is as follows: In this deal, the Rockets sent forwards Tari Ethan, Whitmore, center Jock Landale, as well as the No. 10 draft pick in the first round of this year (this first round pick comes from the Suns). The Rockets sent these chips to the Clippers, winning the Clippers' second regular season scorer Norman Powell. In addition to 32-year-old defender Powell, the Rockets can also win the 30th pick this year (this first-round pick comes from the Thunder). In other words, the Rockets used Landaile and Whitmore, who were difficult to enter the rotation lineup, plus a 10th pick in the first round that didn't seem important, and the team's all-round power forward Tari Ethan, to get Norman Powell who averaged 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

It can be said that the Rockets have strengthened their weakest position and improved their scoring ability. Even if Jaylen Green and Van Vreet were silent and unable to score in the game, Powell could have become a support for the Rockets' offensive end. Powell can serve as the Rockets' sixth man, or simply replace Jaylen Green as the starting shooting guard, allowing Jaylen Green to play as a substitute. Coupled with the Rockets’ original star players Van Vreet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and Shin Kyung, such a lineup should be stronger than this season.

Perhaps the Rockets failed to get a superstar, but they gained a stable scoring point, which can strengthen the shortest shortcomings for the Rockets. During the offseason, they don’t have to make large trades to improve their scoring ability. At least next season, the Rockets will theoretically be stronger than this season. Moreover, the 32-year-old Powell is not in bad shape. As long as the Rockets can use him correctly, the Rockets' outside firepower will be improved next season.