Thunder’s forgotten trade gift-wrapped the Rockets’ franchise player

The Houston Rockets acquired Alperen Sengun in a 2021 draft night that has not bared fruit for the Thunder. OKC got two heavily protected first-round picks that have both been passed on. One of the selections will convey to the Timberwolves with the 17th overall pick in 2025, and the Wizards selection looks likely to turn into two second-rounders. Sengun is an All-Star, which makes this trade look even better for Houston.

The 22-year-old big man is a consistent 20-point per-game scorer. He draws comparisons to Nikola Jokic and is years away from his peak. Sengun will keep improving, and the Rockets should think twice before putting him in trade talks.

Credit to Rafael Stone. He made several bold moves in the 2021 NBA Draft to jumpstart Houston’s rebuild. It was the catalyst to this core, and there was no bigger transaction than trading for Sengun. It is just hard to believe the Rockets fleeced Sam Presti the way they did.

Rockets were handed Alperen Sengun on a silver platter

With talks of Houston trading a lottery pick in this year’s draft, it is the perfect time to revisit this move. Sengun was the 16th overall pick, but the Rockets saw his potential. They made a bold move to trade up and got their guy. Sending out two first-round draft picks sounds steep for the 16th pick, but one is unlikely to convey and the other is the 17th selection four years later.

The Rockets are ready to win now. They were the second seed in the Western Conference and are eager to make a deep playoff run. Houston cannot wait four years to see if they land a marquee pick.

Oklahoma City did not wait either. Both draft choices they acquired in this trade were dealt again. Houston maximized those assets and found a surprising way to turn them into a young star.

Sam Presti’s asset management will be talked about for years to come, especially as the Thunder compete for championships, but this was an airball. OKC gambled on getting premium value and adding a second pick to their war chest. It did not go as planned, and Houston certainly got the laugh.

The Houston Rockets should be active and aggressive ahead of the June 25 draft. A similar move may be available, especially with so many teams trying to dodge financial burdens. Could the Rockets pick up another high draft pick or additional capital for trading out? Stone and the front office must consider it. They made it work once and should try again. That is how a franchise builds a deep and talented title-contending roster.