The Houston Rockets recently acquired Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Kevin Porter Jr., who the latter franchise immediately waived, and multiple second-round picks.
The Thunder had to part with three players by Monday, so this deal was an efficient way to accomplish that while adding even more draft capital. As for the Rockets, while Oladipo, who will miss most if not all of the 2023-24 campaign due to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, may not provide any on-court value, his $9.5 million salary is a potentially useful trade chip for Houston.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports there's an expectation around the NBA that the Rockets will pair the two-time All-Star's contract with second-round draft picks, hoping to strengthen its roster.
Houston acquired Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this offseason and added Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore at the draft. They also hired former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.
As they set their sights on the play-in tournament, they're reportedly interested in swinging a deal for Malcolm Brogdon, per Fischer. The NBA insider adds that the Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers are yet to engage in "significant conversations" about a potential deal involving the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
After coming over with Robert Williams in the deal bringing Jrue Holiday to Boston, Brogdon's expressed he's not looking for the Trail Blazers to reroute him quickly to another franchise. Portland also seems willing to have him in the fold to start the season.
And while it seems more likely than not that the former Celtics guard will have a new NBA home at some point between now and the trade deadline, one would think the Trail Blazers can find a better return package than Oladipo and multiple second-round picks. Granted, coming from Houston, those picks could prove quite valuable.
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