Rockets: 3 trades to send P.J. Tucker to the Timberwolves

1. Houston Rockets get Ed Davis, Jaden McDaniels, two 2nd-round picks

In this trade proposal the Wolves would off-load Ed Davis and his $5 million expiring contract, which presents value, as the Rockets could simply buy him out or let him walk in the offseason. Davis is in his first season with the Wolves and has averaged 5.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per 36 minutes.

Aside from Davis the Rockets would also land the aforementioned Jaden McDaniels, who would get significant playing time, as the Rockets could use him at the center position, considering the injuries that have occurred to Christian Wood and Ray Spalding now.  McDaniels has the ability to become an elite shot blocker, which will only become more lethal as he becomes more polished, and his athleticism allows him to climb the ladder and block shots.

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Jaden McDaniels
is a very good
defender.
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— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 11, 2021

The Rockets will land two second-round draft picks in this deal, and although that isn’t exactly their asking price of three second-round picks for Tucker, it’s coupled with a young prospect in McDaniels and an expiring deal in Davis. McDaniels would be perfect for Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas, who is viewed by many as an expert with player development.

The Rockets could do much worse than this deal, and especially considering how poorly Tucker has played this season, as he’s made just 32.9 percent from three and 37.5 percent from the field (career-low). But Tucker is immensely valuable for the Wolves, as he would help to change the culture in Minnesota.

In this trade, not only would the Wolves land Tucker, but they’d be able to get some value for Davis’ expiring deal without giving up too much in return.