1 Popular trade target the Houston Rockets should avoid

The Houston Rockets are having an outstanding season.

Tripling down on defense has been a winning formula for them. Head Coach Ime Udoka doesn't care if you can shoot. It doesn't matter if you can't dribble. If you play intensely on the less glamorous side of the floor, you'll find a place in his rotation.

It's easy to love this scrappy group. That said, the Rockets feel a bit unbalanced. It's a belabored point, but the Rockets' 26th-ranked 32.9% shooting from three-point range could pose challenges when the postseason comes. Opponents will pack the paint and dare the Rockets to shoot themselves out of games.

So, it's fashionable to suggest that the Rockets should acquire a shooter. Frankly, they should. One sharpshooting wing looks to be available, and plenty of Rockets fans would like to make a move for him.

The team should be a little more reserved in their decision-making.

Rockets a potential suitor for sharpshooting wing

The Nets' Cam Johnson is widely seen to be available.

If you're new here, the Rockets and Nets have a rich recent history of making trades with each other. The Rockets even own swap rights on the Nets' 2027 first-rounder, even after a massive summer deal that had them sending Brooklyn most of their picks back.

On a surface level, the Rockets are a logical suitor for Johnson. He fills a (desperate) need for them. They have the assets to get him, and they're in win-now mode.

What's not to love?

Rockets should pass on Johnson

The price.

It's widely understood that the Nets are seeking multiple first-round picks for Johnson. Granted, it's possible that Houston could make themselves an exception. Sending Brooklyn the swap rights to their own 2027 pick could be worth multiple picks in their eyes.

That's because it's a particularly valuable asset. Which, of course, is exactly why the Rockets should hang onto it.

Johnson has high trade value because he's a true 3-and-D wing. He's even flashed some self-creation for the Nets this year. That leads to a couple of logical reasons for the Rockets to avoid Johnson.

Firstly, the Rockets need shooting. They don't need defense. They could pursue a more modest target with Jeff Green's expiring deal and a handful of second-rounders. They don't need to break the bank for Johnson to improve their floor spacing.

The Rockets don't need to give Johnson reps as a creator, either. This organization is still trying to develop several young players. If they acquired Johnson, he'd go back to his traditional role as a floor spacer. The Rockets would be paying for more than they were using. It would be like purchasing a golden nugget and using it as a paperweight.

Johnson is a very good player. That's why the Rockets shouldn't trade for him. Instead, they should hang onto their assets in case they opt to make a bigger deal.

As it stands, the team is fine without Johnson.