This 3-team trade proposal could be Rockets homecoming for Garrison Mathews

The Houston Rockets have a lot of strengths.

Athleticism? They've got an abundance. Jalen Green would be the most athletic player on almost every team in the NBA. On the Rockets, he's got to compete with Amen Thompson for that distinction.

Defense? They've got a platoon of capable wings. Shot creation and playmaking? Alperen Sengun hasn't even been mentioned yet. This is a fantastic team, and that's reflected by their record.

Shooting?

...About that.

The Rockets still sorely lack in that area. Their 33.4% shooting from long-range is third-worst in the NBA. The Rockets could use a major boost in that area:

Why not get one from an old friend?

This trade proposal has Rockets reuniting with sharpshooter

To improve their shooting, the Rockets would likely need to mine the trade market. There's no reason to rush into a blockbuster trade this year, but improvement on the margins would be optimal. The Rockets need to acquire a shooter.

How about Garrison Mathews?

This isn't the first time SpaceCityScoop has advocated for the legendary Gary Bird. He was a fan favorite during his time in Houston. From a functional perspective, he's shooting 42.1% from long-range for the Hawks in 2024-25.

Here's a deal that has him heading back to Houston.

Atlanta Hawks receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Jock Landale, 2026 Second Round Pick (HOU), 2027 Second Round Pick (MEM via HOU), 2029 Second Round Pick (HOU)

Washington Wizards receive: Clint Capela, Jeff Green, 2029 First Round Pick (Top 10 Protected - ATL)

Houston Rockets receive: Garrison Mathews

Let's justify the deal from the perspectives of the other teams first.

The Hawks need ball-handling behind Trae Young. Mathews doesn't provide it. Brogdon is a combo guard who can play both next to Young and behind him. He's a stout defender who can compensate for Young's deficiencies on that end of the floor.

Sure, he's shooting 31.3% from distance this year. Last season, he hit 41.2% - much closer to his career average of 38.9%. Brogdon is struggling on a tanking Wizards squad. Alongside a player with Young's gravity, he ought to regress to the mean.

He ought to be worth a protected first to the Hawks, but they're also getting three second-round picks from Houston to offset their loss in draft capital. Moving off of Capela also gives Onyeka Onkongwu the keys to the center position, but adding Landale gives him a competent backup.

From the Wizards' point of view, there's nothing complicated at play here. They ought to move Brogdon for as much draft capital as they can find - a protected future first ought to do.

Should this deal suffice for the Rockets?

Rockets should pursue reunion with Mathews

Absolutely.

Mathews isn't a perfect player. He doesn't offer much self-creation. He's still a knockdown shooter. At 6'6", Mathews is a competent (if unspectacular) defender as well.

He'll also have retained some chemistry with players on this roster. Mathews is a movement shooter who would make a perfect target for Alperen Sengun when he draws a double team on the low block. It's time for the Rockets to reunite with Garry Bird:

They'd hardly have any weaknesses then.