1 Rockets trade target on every team in the Eastern Conference

Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Johnson

Our fingers started typing: M-I-K-A...

Nope. Mikal Bridges is on the Knicks. That's going to take some getting used to.

Johnson is still a Net. Could he be a Rocket? Some fans will love the idea. Johnson is a solid defensive wing. At many times in his career, he's also looked like one of the best shooters in the NBA.

Others will be scared off by his contract. Fair enough. Still, if the Rockets could find a smart way to include Dillon Brooks in the deal, they'd be getting a better player at a slightly higher cost. That could be financially prudent, and it would make the Rockets a better team.

Toronto Raptors: Bruce Brown Jr.

On the other hand, Brown Jr. is on an expiring contract. If the Rockets acquired him, it wouldn't require them to make a long-term commitment.

That doesn't mean he's a suitable candidate for the Rockets. If anything, a more serious contender is more likely to acquire Brown. They can justify parting with a first-round pick for a half-year rental since they're so close to winning an NBA title.

Still, the Rockets are looking to join the ranks of those contenders. Brown Jr. could help them get there. The Rockets could send the Raptors the Canadian-born Brooks and a first-round pick for Brown Jr.

If they like him, the Rockets could negotiate a more team-friendly deal next summer. This may not be an obvious move for the Rockets, but Brown's ball-handling and playmaking chops should be an upgrade over the tunnel-visioned Brooks' offensive style.