The Houston Rockets were on the cusp of making the Play-In Tournament last season, thanks to a strong 13-2 run in March that brought them close to the No. 10 seed. Despite their promising finish, their lack of experience proved to be a hindrance. With Ime Udoka at the helm, it’s clear the Rockets are on the brink of contention, but they still need more experienced players to complement their young talent.
While the Rockets have developed a solid defensive foundation, they lack offensive finesse. Fred VanVleet has been a valuable addition, but his scoring efficiency and playmaking are areas of concern. With limited experience as a point guard, Amen Thompson might need to shift positions. This situation creates an opportunity for the Rockets to pursue a major trade with the Clippers to bring back James Harden.
**Proposed Trade:**
– **Houston Rockets Receive:** James Harden
– **Los Angeles Clippers Receive:** Dillon Brooks, Jae’Sean Tate, 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2026 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
This trade would help the Clippers focus on building a strong defensive team around Kawhi Leonard, while the Rockets would gain a significant offensive asset in Harden, the second-leading scorer in franchise history. The deal, which can’t be executed until October 7, 2024, would bolster the Rockets’ offense and complement their defensive setup.
**Impact on the Rockets:**
Harden, who averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists last season, would provide a much-needed playmaking boost. His experience and passing skills would be valuable for Jalen Green’s development and the growth of other young players like Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. Although Harden is no longer the dominant scorer he once was, his playmaking ability remains elite.
**Impact on the Clippers:**
The Clippers, having shifted focus to a defensive-minded roster, would benefit from acquiring Dillon Brooks, known for his strong defense and 3-and-D capability. The trade would give them financial flexibility with manageable contracts and future picks, aligning with their strategy for building a competitive team around Leonard.
Although this trade might seem unlikely due to the Rockets’ commitment to their young core and the Clippers’ need to utilize Harden’s market appeal, it represents a compelling scenario where both teams could benefit significantly.
