3 Downside Candidates Identified for Houston Rockets by Insider

The tension is growing.

It's palpable. You could cut it with a knife. What will the Houston Rockets do with the third pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

Could they recruit Reed Sheppard? Donovan Clingan? Or, is this the team most likely to do something extremely rare: trade a top-5 pick?

Recently, ESPN's Jonathan Givony named a handful of teams that could look to trade picks.

Each of these teams could present intriguing options.

We discussed the possibility of a deal with the Grizzlies. The Rockets might be interested in a sharpshooter like Luke Kennard. Flipping the third pick for Memphis' ninth pick and a role player won't please Houston, but if Memphis brings in additional draft capital, there could be a deal to be made.

As for Portland, they could probably dangle Malcolm Brogdon for a combination of expiring deals with Houston and flip their seventh pick for the third selection. This would be a bold move for the Rockets, but Brogdon is an important contributor who will have great value on the open market.

A deal with Chicago could go several directions. Alex Caruso would surely tempt the defensive-minded Ime Udoka. He would be a fantastic addition to this roster, but with an expiring contract, the Rockets might be tired of paying his next bill. Otherwise, the Bulls don't have much to offer the Rockets outside of future draft capital.

Should the Rockets be open to any of these arrangements?

Of course.

The Rockets are playing with house money. They are in a unique position. This is a competitive team with a high lottery pick in what is perceived to be a weak draft.

They could justify trading down if they like someone who is lower on the big boards. If the Rockets can get their man back and get future assets – or a winning piece now – why wouldn't they?

That said, they should also take a close look at Sheppard and Clingan. If the front office feels that either is a critical piece they would like to add in the future, they should make their selection.

We can't wait to see what they do.