Rockets haven't been the same since Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook trade

With Suns point guard Chris Paul one game away from a Finals appearance as of this writing, the Rockets‘ 2019 offseason trade of Paul is looking worse than ever, writes Rahat Huq of the Houston Chronicle. The deal sent Paul, two pick swaps and two future draft selections to the Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook, who lasted just one season in Houston before the team sent him to the Wizards for the oft-injured former All-Star point guard John Wall.

Huq notes that Paul has been healthier during his two All-Star seasons following the deal, appearing in 70 out of 72 possible regular season contests during both years. Huq opines that the fact that the Rockets, under the stewardship of then-team president Daryl Morey, actually moved picks to get off of Paul’s contract is especially frustrating now that Houston is in full rebuilding mode. At least the Rockets have the No. 2 selection in what looks to be an exciting 2021 draft.

There’s more out of the Southwest Division:

• Free agent Mavericks big man Nicolò Melli is hoping to stick around in the NBA this summer, writes Aris Barkas of Eurohoops. Barkas continues that Melli appreciates that he might need to continue his career in Europe, where he last played during the 2018-19 season. Melli was part of the deal that sent JJ Redick to the Mavericks from New Orleans during the March trade deadline.
• Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has indicated that assistant general manager Keith Grant, Dallas' longtime salary-cap expert, will remain with the Mavs under new GM Nico Harrison, tweets Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.
• After 2018 lottery picks Trae Young and Deandre Ayton rose to another level in helping their respective teams, the Hawks and the Suns, to conference finals appearances, the Grizzlies should be encouraged that their young core, led by 2019 No. 2 pick Ja Morant and 2018 No. 4 selection Jaren Jackson Jr., can follow suit, writes Evan Barnes of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.