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Will the Houston Rockets make a move at the trade deadline?

By Gavriel Wilkins

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 8: General Manager Daryl Morey of the Houston Rockets speaks to the media after the Special Olympics NBA Cares Clinic as part of the 2016 Global Games - China at Mercedes Benz Arena on October 8, 2016 in Shanghai, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 8: General Manager Daryl Morey of the Houston Rockets speaks to the media after the Special Olympics NBA Cares Clinic as part of the 2016 Global Games - China at Mercedes Benz Arena on October 8, 2016 in Shanghai, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the NBA trade deadline less than one month away, will general manager Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets seek to make yet another move?

Despite being considered as one of the top teams this season, the Houston Rockets front office had been spending countless hours getting prepared for the annual trade deadline next month under general manager Daryl Morey, in the effort to land the final component to their roster prior to the playoffs.

Now, things appear to be changing out in Clutch City, as the franchise that once played the role of aggressor in previous trade deadlines — and was recently linked to Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George less than a month ago — is looking to take a more tentative approach in 2018.

"“I don’t expect to do much,” Morey told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle last week. “There’s outside-the-rotation stuff potentially. We’re always looking for something to upgrade us. I would guess that the odds of us doing nothing are much higher than normal.”"

While Morey’s overall track record at the deadline might indicate much differently, the 45-year-old executive has never had a team as good as his current squad in Houston. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 18, the Rockets proved to be arguably the best team in basketball, winning 20 out of 21 contests and destroy opponents by an average of 16.7 points per game during that span.

Houston has ranked within the top 15 or better in offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating all season long — showcasing just how dominant it is when completely healthy. The Rockets could have forward Luc Mbah a Moute and guard James Harden back by the end of this week.

"“We’re just holding it down, holding it down until we get the whole crew back,” Rockets guard Chris Paul told reporters following Houston’s 112-95 victory against the Phoenix Suns last Friday.“Ain’t nobody gonna feel sorry for us so we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We’re just going to go out and compete.”"

Morey might not see any realistic deals that make sense at this point. However, there is a strong possibility that he could seek to pursue a player on the buyout market, as the Rockets currently have a roster spot open and  just enough salary cap space to add a viable piece at a low-cost, such as a backup point guard or valuable wing defender.

"“The plan is to keep that last roster spot open until Feb. 8 in case of an unbalanced trade or more importantly, if we need the tax room,” Morey said, per Feigen. “Then, we also want to have the ability to [pursue] buyout candidates.”"

Yet despite their recent injury woes, Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni recently expressed the utmost confidence in his team, as he believes that the Rockets have plenty of firepower to make a deep postseason run out in the Western Conference.

"“We have more than enough, there’s no doubt about that,” D’Antoni said to reporters last week.“Adding Gerald [Green] even makes us realize that more. We should be going into the playoffs in a good position. I don’t know where we’ll be because we hit a bump, but we should be in position to challenge anybody. We shouldn’t be tired. We shouldn’t have injuries, other than bad luck. We have enough guys.”"

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The Rockets will seek to capture their fourth consecutive win in the last five games, as they get ready to face off against Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers Monday night.

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