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NBA Trade Grades: Rockets shipping James Ennis to 76ers

By Daniel Lubofsky

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 25: James Ennis III #8 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center on January 25, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 25: James Ennis III #8 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center on January 25, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets

It’s been quite an interesting season for the Rockets. Injuries have managed to creep their way into every nook and cranny of the roster, forcing James Harden to put forth a scoring effort on par with the likes of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

They had begun the season a disappointing 14-14 and at one point sported the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Since then, they’ve shot up the standings all the way up to the 5-seed, just half a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers.

With Chris Paul back from injury and Clint Capela soon to follow after the All-Star break, Houston will eventually start to look more like the conference finals participant it was last season, with little doubt the players will be motivated to take what they believe is rightfully theirs.

It’s likely this move was simply a financial decision, seeing as how it saves the owner $2.4 million. But there’s also a possibility that with so many good veterans being team-less, it was done to free up a spot on the team. Even after the acquisition of Iman Shumpert, it never hurts to have multiple players who can hit a 3 on one end and admirably defend on the other.

Ennis wasn’t terrible, but the buyout market will have its pick of players who would be considered an upgrade, and he was the unfortunate sacrifice to free up a roster spot.

If the Rockets can bring in that type of player, this trade will look like another win for GM Daryl Morey. If not, it may come back to make things difficult come postseason time.

Grade: C+