1 Rockets trade target on every team in the Eastern Conference

Can we move the Houston Rockets to the Eastern Conference?

We're joking - only, we're not. The Rockets' 41 wins couldn't get them into the play-in tournament in 2023-24. If they'd played in the Eastern Conference, they'd have been the ninth seed. Not only would the Rockets have been in the tournament, they'd have had homecourt advantage.

Seattle needs the Sonics back, right? A Las Vegas team would surely be profitable. When it comes time to re-align the league, we're politely suggesting a cross-conference move for the Rockets.

In the meantime, there's still plenty of talent in the Eastern Conference. Who knows? The Rockets could make a trade with a team in the East this year. Here's one trade target from every Conference.

Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis

We were tempted to take an easier way out and target Jordan Walsh. The young wing has some two-way upside, and he's unlikely to find much time in a crowded Celtics' rotation.

Yet, the Rockets could try to wrangle a bigger fish from Boston. This team's cap sheet is going to pose problems for them in the new CBA environment. Could they look to shed a big contract?

The Rockets could cobble together an offer featuring Dillon Brooks, some team-friendly, short-term deals - and draft capital. This may be a long shot, but it's worth thinking about.

Porzingis could be a solid compliment to Alperen Sengun. He's a potent weakside shot blocker at the 4, and he spaces the floor. Alternatively, the Rockets could find that having a floor-spacing, rim-protecting 5 like Porzingis amplifies the abilities of Amen Thompson and Jalen Green.

New York Knicks: Keita Bates-Diop

By contrast, the Knicks have managed to negotiate team-friendly deals with plenty of their stars. They won't be ducking the second apron, or selling any time soon.

So, we chose a role player. Bates-Diop isn't a needle mover. The Knicks won't be parting with any of their needle movers, so we felt a bit stuck here.

Bates-Diop is, if nothing else, an insurance policy. He's a competent defender who (sometimes) spaces the floor. This isn't a sexy addition, but if the Knicks are making a Finals push, the Rockets could opt to part with one of their lesser veterans in exchange for Bates-Diop and a second-round pick or two.