Grading a smart trade proposal that has Rockets landing star forward

The Houston Rockets are approaching the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. You know what that means...

...It's time to start talking about the summer.

For some, those talks will feel premature. They are eager to see the Rockets in postseason action. Any discussion around changing the roster is nonsensical before we see how they perform in the playoffs.

It's a valid position. It won't stop media outlets from speculating. The Rockets are poised to make a big trade.

Bleacher Report has them making an intriguing one in a new article.

Rockets swap forwards with formal rival in new proposal

Brooklyn Nets receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale

Houston Rockets receive: Cam Johnson

Fans are also understandably apprehensive about parting with any of the young core. We don't know how well these players will perform in the future, so how can the front office justify giving up on them?

Here's the deal about young players - they need new deals. Jabari Smith Jr. is an intriguing player. He's 6'11" with a smooth jumper and a relentless competitive spirit.

He's also a recent lottery pick. Smith Jr. will likely be seeking a rookie extension in the neighbourhood of $30 million or more per season in the next summer or two.

His play so far has not warranted that type of money. Smith Jr. is deep into his third NBA season and shooting 33.9% from long-range. He's got a career Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of -1.8. Even if you want to filter out his rookie year, his -1.0 BPM in 2024-25 doesn't scream "$30 million or more per season!".

Cameron Johnson shoots 40.1% from long-range in 2024-25. He's got a 3.2 BPM despite playing for a weak Nets team. If anything, Johnson has been the main reason it's been difficult for Brooklyn to tank harder than they have.

He also makes an average of $23.6 million per season. So, the Rockets would be getting the better player at what's likely to be a lower cost in this deal.

Is this a no-brainer?

Rockets should think carefully about Johnson

It is not.

Johnson is 29. Smith Jr. is 21. It's to be expected that Johnson would be the better player. It's also fairly likely that this is the best season he'll ever have.

Moreover, Smith Jr. unlocks some versatility that Johnson does not. He's three inches taller, so he's a more viable option as a small ball 5. Smith Jr. also provides more weakside rim protection, which has been vital to his chemistry with Alperen Sengun.

There's a lot to consider here. It's difficult to conclusively say that I'd pull the trigger on this deal. Still, it is an imminently sensible proposal. The Rockets should consider a move like this one if they're apprehensive about Smith Jr.'s next deal. It should make them a better and cheaper team:

We'll have to see what they do next summer.

Grade: B+