NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Pondering Fire Sale

Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

What Is Houston Looking For?

The validity of each existing report is debatable, but it’s clear that the Houston Rockets have welcomed and considered trade proposals. With that being understood, there’s only one question left to answer.

What does Daryl Morey want in return?

Marc Stein of ESPN is one of the many who have reported Houston’s interest in embattled Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris. The Rockets have long been linked to New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson, as well.

Other rumors have surfaced, but the general tone of the discussions is that Houston wants a stretch 4.

Given James Harden’s ball-dominant slashing and Dwight Howard’s pick-and-roll proficiency, this isn’t entirely surprising. Houston needs to space the floor in order to properly execute on offense, and the stretch 4 is more valuable than it’s ever been.

More hoops habit: Greg Monroe could be on the move. Are the Houston Rockets one of his best potential landing spots?

Morris can light teams up from midrange and Anderson is a borderline elite option from beyond the ar., The question is, can any of Houston’s available assets net the return it desires?