Why the Trade Works for the Houston Rockets

The options for the Houston Rockets are not going to be favorable. Trading for a 32-year-old who asked out from the team and has over $132 million on his contract doesn’t command a historic return. Let’s not forget, Russell Westbrook relies on athleticism who has a history of knee surgeries, too.

One benefit the Rockets hold in this scenario is they still have James Harden to build around— making the focus be to add cohesive complementary talents. Devonte Graham would be able to immediately slot in the starting backcourt role alongside Harden.

There is financial benefit of this trade to provide the Rockets with legitimate relief. While Graham would need a new deal after this upcoming NBA season, but the $27.1 million expiring salary of Nicolas Batum would help substantially, nevertheless.

There has been plenty of flashes of potential from Malik Monk but he doesn’t hasn’t quite had an opportunity to put it all together. A change of scenery in a contract year could be precisely what he needs to succeed.