
4. Dillon Brooks
Memphis Grizzlies 3-and-D ace Dillon Brooks is having a career year, as he’s averaging 16.1points per game on 40 percent from deep, which are both career highs. Brooks would instantly become the Rockets’ best 3-point shooter and would be a natural fit, given his 3-point ability.
Brooks also averages more defensive win shares than elite defenders such as Mike Conley and Marcus Morris and would rank within the top-six of the Houston Rockets in that category. At 6-foot-7, the 27-year-old has the size to match up against essentially anyone on the floor. Brooks possesses size, 3-point shooting ability and defensive skills, which would be a welcome addition for a Rockets team in need of both.
From a contractual standpoint, Brooks is making $1.6 million this season, which means the Rockets could simply send their $1.6 million trade exception to land Brooks, so long as Memphis is willing. It’s an interesting question of whether Memphis would part with one of their best players in exchange for multiple draft picks, which isn’t a guarantee.
Although the Grizzlies currently hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they aren’t necessarily contenders and would stand to gain more by landing future draft capital for a player who isn’t going to take them over the top. Even if they do end up making the postseason, they’ll likely be a first-round exit so it would be worth it for them to land draft assets.
Next: No. 3