NBA trade grades: The 4-team blockbuster involving Clint Capela, Robert Covington

Houston Rockets

In: Robert Covington, Jordan Bell
Out: Clint Capela, Nene, Gerald Green, 2020 HOU 1st

It seems odd that the Rockets are looking to add a center after trading Capela, a rim-running center that is solid in the pick-and-roll game — something that fits great alongside Russell Westbrook and James Harden. But here they are. Moving to a small-ball lineup has been fruitful for Houston’s free-flowing, shot-chucking offense with P.J. Tucker playing a lot at power forward.

The lineup got a lot smaller as Covington likely slots in to playing some small-ball five. He stands 6’8″ with a 7’2″ wingspan and can be an effective defender, especially in a smaller lineup, but he’ll be overpowered at times. Bell can be a factor as a defensive center and grabbing rebounds but his offensive inefficiencies will limit his time on the floor.

Houston is fifth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the fourth-seeded Jazz, and 6.5 games behind the first-place Lakers. Three of the four teams ahead of the Rockets have larger frontcourts. The Lakers deploy Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, while the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic and Jazz have Rudy Gobert.

It’s going to be hard to compete against those teams, and shots will have to fall from the perimeter to limit transition opportunities going against them. Those will come from a rebounding deficit due to size and depth in a potential playoff series.

Grade: B

In the end, adding Covington is going to make a difference on the wing with his defensive versatility. But Houston needs to add a cost-effective center in order for this deal to swing more in their favor.