How This Trade Impacts Houston Rockets

Houston, we have a problem. The Houston Rockets look like they are going to challenge the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats for the lowest win percentage in a single season in NBA history. It is not a distinction they want, which could be the motivation they use to not make this deal.

Despite his struggles this season, Christian Wood is likely Houston’s best player right now. Trading him away would lower their chances of winning as none of the players they are getting back will elevate the team nearly as much as Wood is capable of doing.

Isaiah Stewart has looked like a good energy guy in the frontcourt and would bring a defensive edge to the middle that they currently are lacking. Alperen Sengun, one of their first-round picks from the 2021 NBA Draft, could be a solid pairing with Stewart given his offensive repertoire and Stewart’s bruising style of play.

Josh Jackson has not lived up to the expectations of being the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Hamidou Diallo brings energy and hustle on the second unit and could be helpful for the defense that he would bring to the table.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Rockets Trade Is Focused On Christian Wood

The biggest takeaway from this deal for the Rockets is the draft compensation. If they are going to entertain trading Wood, draft picks will be asked for. In this deal, they get what will be a very late second-rounder in the 2022 NBA Draft, but that 2024 first-round pick could be golden.

With no protections, that pick will convey to the Rockets regardless of where the Pistons finish. By that time, they are hopeful they will be more competitive. If not, the Rockets are going to cash in with an excellent asset they can use to select a player for themselves or include in a trade to land an established player.