Grade the trade: Mock sends Chris Boucher to the Rockets

The Houston Rockets have developed a penchant for being one of the more active teams on the trade market in recent years. Whether it's been offloading a veteran like Daniel Theis or Eric Gordon or adding a talent like Victor Oladipo or Kelly Olynk, the Rockets have sent the message that they are always willing to talk trades.

The Rockets have also shown to be willing to pounce on what they deem to be a distressed asset. A good example of this was the Rockets' rumored interest in Zion Williamson, who saw his value reach an all-time low this past offseason due, in large part, to injuries and an inability to stay on the court.

Perhaps the best example of this was the Rockets' acquisition of Kevin Porter Jr. in 2021, as Porter was in just his second year in the NBA and fell out of grace with the Cleveland Cavaliers, due to off the court issues and a temper tantrum in the locker room that saw him throw food at a Cavaliers coach.

The Rockets have had minor hiccups over the years but felt satisfied enough with Porter to give him a four-year contract extension worth approximately $64 million, with only $15.9 million of it guaranteed.

Mock trade has Rockets adding center

Porter's contract alone makes him a formidable asset, as a team would have the ability to cut ties whenever they want to pull the plug on the operation. Not to mention that Porter is still only 23 years-old and just posted averages of 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, while shooting 36.6 percent from deep. 

Porter is also one of the Rockets' bigger salaries, outside of their slew of incoming free agents. For this reason, Porter has often been cited in mock trades involving the Rockets. 

A recent one by Bleacher Report is so outlandish that it bears being called out.

Let's take a look at what they've cooked up.