3 Crucial lessons the current front office must learn from James Harden Rockets

3. Assets matter

We're not suggesting that Stone should hoard the Rockets' assets. When it's time to go all-in, it's time to go all-in. 

We are saying he should be selective with any deal he makes. Morey wasn't particularly choosy when he acquired Westbrook from the Thunder, and the Rockets are still paying for it. 

They just sent the Thunder the No. 12 pick in the 2024 Draft. They're not done sending them assets yet. The Thunder have the right to swap their selection with Houston's in 2025, and they own their pick with top-4 protection again in 2026. Meanwhile, Westbrook didn't even improve the team. 

Look: we're all hoping the Rockets win a championship as a result of this rebuild. We should still be realistic in conceding that it may not happen. If this team is rebuilding again in six or seven years, it would be helpful if they didn't owe the Timberwolves first-round draft capital in 2032, 2033 and 2035. 

If the Rockets look to be a star away from serious title contention, they should go get that star. What they shouldn't do is burn valuable assets in a move devoid of obvious upside. 

Thankfully, we trust Stone to avoid those types of decisions.