Grading the most outrageous Rockets trade proposal we've seen in 2024-25

I said I would cut back on grading Houston Rockets trade proposals.

It was true. Every proposal made by every outlet isn't consequential. It's time to filter.

That said, some proposals will still merit a grade.

For example, we haven't heard much from Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Conner on the Rockets trade front this year. If he had a proposal to make, it would be worth looking at.

Especially if it was the craziest proposal anyone's seen all year.

Prominent analyst makes wild proposal

Let's look at the details courtesy of the legendary ClutchFans.

What? Excuse me?

What?

Steph Curry to the Rockets. It feels sacrilegious. Blasphemous, even. This man has been a thorn in the side of the Rockets for years. The mere image of him in a Rockets uniform is enough to make a grown man cry.

Still, Rafael Stone shouldn't get sentimental. If a deal makes sense, the optics are a secondary concern.

Is this something he could consider?

Rockets can't bail Warriors out

No!

This deal follows roughly the same equation applied to many proposals this year.

The Rockets mortgage their future to a substantial extent in this deal. They're sending out four unprotected first-round picks and two intriguing young players here. They bring in two players approaching the end of their careers. As is often the case, the juice is not worth the squeeze.

Green feels redundant. His Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) of 2.3 is lower than Amen Thompson's 2.7 in 2024-25. Is it worth squeezing Green into the rotation at Thompson's expense because he shoots a passable percentage from deep on low volume?

Curry is also on the decline. He's hitting 40.9% on 10.8 threes per game this year. That's incredible - calling it a decline feels outrageous - but it's less superhuman than the marks Curry has hit in the past.

Let's be honest - this deal could help the Rockets win a title this year. It could help them win a title next year. After that, the window slams shut. If the Rockets don't capitalize, they'll be left without Curry and Green (both contracts expire after 2026-27), roughly the same roster they have now minus Sheppard and Whitmore, and a draft capital deficit.

Imagine Sheppard and Whitmore both pan out? The Warriors will be sitting with two young stars and a mountain of draft capital. They'd be positioned to dominate the Rockets for another half-decade if they make the right moves.

No thank you.

One could argue that Whitmore's place on this team is perilous. Fair. Moving him could be sensible down the line, but this is too drastic of a move. The Rockets are in an excellent position and they can afford to be patient.

Making this move would be crazy.

Grade: C