Grading a short-sighted trade proposal that has Rockets landing star guard

The Houston Rockets' front office needs to have a solid understanding of the value of each of their players.

Maintaining that understanding can be difficult. Trade value fluctuates in the National Basketball Association. A player who's worth a first-round pick today could need a pick attached to his contract to be moved next season.

Ask a Bulls fan. At one time, Zach LaVine was regarded as a star. They'd have received a bundle if the Bulls had tried to trade him. Now, they're struggling to find a taker for him. Even during a strong year, LaVine is seemingly regarded as too one-dimensional to justify his lofty contract.

FadeawayWorld has the Rockets landing him anyway.

Rockets acquire pure scorer in short-sighted proposal

Here are the details of the proposal.

Chicago Bulls receive: Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jae'Sean Tate, 2025 First Round Pick (HOU)

Houston Rockets receive: Zach LaVine

It passes the first test: it isn't outrageous. Rockets fans should not be contacting FadeawayWorld to voice their discontent:

Actually, they shouldn't be doing that anyway, but that's a digression.

That's not to say it's a good deal. This is a reasonable value exchange for both teams, but it's not a prudent decision for the Rockets.

They don't need LaVine.

Rockets should keep useful veteran + assets

Firstly, FadeawayWorld seems confused about the Rockets' future draft capital. That's understandable - swap rights can make anyone's head spin - but the Rockets owe their next first-rounder to the Thunder.

Let's give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they aren't referring to the 2025 Suns' pick. That selection is currently projected to land in the lottery. Let's assume FadeawayWorld intends to send the Bulls an unprotected first from the Rockets sometime in the future.

Rafael Stone should still pass.

Firstly - where does LaVine fit on this roster with Jalen Green remaining in the fold? Would the Rockets start LaVine at the 3 alongside Green and Fred VanVleet? That three-guard lineup is entirely counteractive to Ime Udoka's principles. The Rockets want to triple down on plus-sized wings to maintain their dominant defense.

Perhaps the idea is to eventually use LaVine as a succession plan for Green. That feels ill-advised as well. Green is rounding into form after a difficult stretch in 2024-25. He's substantially younger than LaVine, and significantly less expensive. Taking on the complications of adding LaVine's deal could make it harder to extend Amen Thompson and other valuable young players down the line.

Put differently, LaVine isn't a clear enough fit for the Rockets to justify parting with an unprotected first. That's before considering how vital Brooks has been for Houston. Perhaps they'll eventually move him, but given Green's presence, a top-tier 3-and-D wing/guard feels like a better roster piece than a pure scorer.

Hopefully, the Rockets see Brooks' value as well.

Grade: C+