3. Houston Rockets
While the Sixers may have been thinking about changing course in the back of their minds this summer, the Houston Rockets were reportedly considering franchise-altering moves to put a legitimate contender around James Harden. It was only natural after watching this team fall short against their kryptonite Warriors yet again in the playoffs.
However, with both KD and Klay on the mend for the majority of next season, the Rockets could see this as an opportunity to finally rule the West. Harden is coming off yet another MVP-caliber season, and although Chris Paul‘s play noticeably dipped this season, he’s still a top-20 player when healthy.
Again, the ramifications…Rockets sounded like a team ready to make big changes. Will that proceed w/Dubs looking so shaky next year? Do Lakers now go all in (i.e., trade Kuz) w/NO to get AD-this year’s Kawhi move? Can DEN/POR make a similar deal for a scale-tipping talent?
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 14, 2019
Rather than squandering assets to move CP3’s albatross salary or finding a deal for Clint Capela, the Rockets should run it back one more time, using this temporary opening to finally break through with a Finals berth. They were the best team in the Western Conference playoffs outside of the Warriors, and with the league suddenly wide open, now is not the time to completely revamp. If Daryl Morey retools instead, the Rockets have a legitimate shot at a title next year.