Grading the 2019 NBA offseason for all 30 franchises

Houston Rockets

While everyone in the Western Conference was making moves to give themselves a leg up in the open title race, it didn’t appear as though the Houston Rockets would join in on the fun.

This wasn’t for a lack of trying, however, as they were linked to a pursuit of Jimmy Butler that could only come via a sign-and-trade.

Butler didn’t become a Rocket, but as one door closed, another opened. Once Paul George was suddenly dealt from the Oklahoma City Thunder, it put Russell Westbrook on the trading block, an opportunity Daryl Morey was quick to take advantage of.

Acquiring the former MVP didn’t come cheap. Chris Paul was sent to OKC along with two first-round picks and two pick-swaps.

It was a deal worth making after the relationship between Paul and James Harden had reportedly soured but also one that leaves Houston depleted of any assets to make improvements should it become necessary.

On paper, the Rockets have arguably the best backcourt in the league while having rid themselves of a horrific contract attached to a declining superstar.

How the two former teammates and ball-dominant superstars complement each other on the court is the key to the ultimate success of the team.

A day later, the team signed veteran center Tyson Chandler to a one-year deal. He’ll be 37 years old come time to start the season, but aside from his veteran presence, Chandler can still rebound the ball at a high level and finish around the rim.

Danuel House Jr. was given a three-year deal after showing promise last season as a 3-and-D option.

Adding some extra depth nor bringing in Westbrook doesn’t put Houston ahead of some of its contemporaries out West.

The newest dynamic backcourt is sure to be an interesting experiment, a high-risk high-reward play the Rockets felt they needed to make to remain amongst the legitimate championship contenders.

Grade: B