Grade the trade: Rockets address shooting woes by adding sniper in bold proposal

Why the Rockets do the deal

As mentioned before, the Rockets need shooting. 

Badly. 

Grayson Allen has been the best 3-point shooter in the league in 2023-24. The 28-year-old has made a league-leading 48 percent from long-range on 5.8 attempts.

But it doesn't just stop there. Allen is having a career year across the board, with averages of 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 50.3 percent from the floor, 91.2 percent from the charity stripe, and 68.5 percent true shooting.

He's easily been the Suns' third-best player this season. Allen could help create looks for other Rockets players and he's shown a willingness to expand his shot diet beyond just long-range attempts.

We've seen more cutting and driving from Allen this season, which he stated was a goal of his prior to the start of the season. 

He's also been highly reliable, as he's started more games this season than any member of the Suns' Big Three. 

All of that is great. But for a Rockets team that ranks 24th in long-range shooting, Allen's 3-point proficiency would be a godsend.

Grading the trade.

Sure, the Suns would lose one of their best role players in this deal. But role players are replaceable.

And part of the reason for Allen's stellar play is because of Bradley Beal's absence due to injury. Which could be why the Suns are open to the idea of moving him, not to mention the fact that he's going to command a dollar amount larger than what they'll be able to afford. 

Getting back a versatile player and elite defender in Tate, in addition to three second-round picks is great return for a player they'll surely be losing in four months.

Suns Grade: A

The Rockets are in dire need of shooting and can afford to get rid of Tate, which is why his minutes have taken a bit of a plunge. Tate is playing just 18.8 minutes in 2023-24, which is a career low.

The Rockets' offense tends to get stale at times (outside of the Fred VanVleet-Alperen Sengun pick-and-roll) and Allen could put a stop to that. Three second-round picks is a steep price to pay, and especially having to part with the Brooklyn Nets' second-round pick, which could be a fringe first-round pick. 

But Allen would be well worth it. At least for this Rockets team.

Rockets Grade: A