Grading a bold trade proposal that has the Rockets circling back to old target

The Houston Rockets have struggled to find a role for Cam Whitmore.

It's been one of the enduring storylines of the 2024-25 season. Whitmore's talent is undeniable, but he's got warts. Ime Udoka has been reluctant to put him on the floor. As a result, Whitmore has been viewed as a viable trade candidate.

In time, the Rockets could move him. They shouldn't give him away. For example, sending him out for a backup nearing retirement would be a questionable decision.

That's what The Ringer's Bill Simmons has the Rockets doing before this year's deadline.

Rockets move Whitmore in new proposal

Here's how Simmons has the Rockets getting involved in the Jimmy Butler saga

Phoenix Suns receive: Jimmy Butler

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Bradley Beal

Miami Heat receive: Khris Middleton, Steven Adams, Cam Whitmore

Houston Rockets receive: Brook Lopez

Interesting. Lopez would bring a skillset to this team that it's currently missing. The Rockets don't have a primary rim protector like Lopez, and to get floor spacing at the 5, they have to put Jabari Smith Jr. there. He'd be an intriguing acquisition for the Rockets:

It's almost as if they've considered him before.

Rockets shouldn't circle back to Lopez

By all accounts, Lopez was nearly a Rocket in the summer of 2023. The team allegedly planned to use some of their cap space on him. It seems Lopez was nearly a done deal, and ultimately backed out to rejoin the Bucks.

Perhaps that's not such a bad thing. At 36, Lopez is starting to show signs of decline. His 0.6 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) is the third-lowest mark of his career. Wouldn't you know it?

It's identical to Steven Adams' mark.

Sure, Lopez provides some skills that Adams doesn't. He spaces the floor, and even at his age, he remains a better stationary rim protector. He also lacks in some areas Adams thrives in. For example, Adams is grabbing 15.8 rebounds per 75 possessions this year, while Lopez collects 5.4 (yes, 5.4) per the same measure.

That's critical for Houston. Winning the possession battle has been instrumental to their success in 2024-25. Adams is part of that identity, and Lopez wouldn't fit the bill.

Still, that's a secondary reason to avoid this deal. Ultimately, it doubles back to Whitmore. He may not be a Rocket for his entire career, but Rafael Stone should choose carefully if he's shopping him. It would make more sense to find a younger big man who could eventually be Adams' successor rather than flipping him for a one-year rental. Whitmore could also be an attractive piece in a consolidation trade if the Rockets eventually acquire a star.

Although, finding a role for him to showcase his talents would help in that regard.

Grade: C-