Grade the Trade: Rockets reunite with fan favorite in new proposal

If you're a frequent reader of SpaceCityScoop, you know that we'd reject a lot of proposed trades for the Houston Rockets.

Our reaction varies - somewhat. Sometimes, a trade is fair, but not perfectly logical for the team. Other times, we outright hate a proposal.

We're not curmudgeons. We just don't think the Rockets should be in any rush to make a deal. The Rockets should keep the powder dry if they decide to trade for a superstar. They should also be hesitant to part with any of their young players before they've got a clearer idea of their developmental trajectory.

So, we reject a lot of trades. We're happy to say we came across a proposal we'd happily accept. Brett Siegal of ClutchPoints just suggested a deal that's got the Rockets reuniting with one of the best role players to ever wear their uniform.

The Rockets could use an injection of toughness

The veteran in question? P.J. Tucker.

Yes, the same P.J. Tucker who never quit on a possession. The same Tucker who willingly played the 5 despite standing as tall as the tallest guy in your friend group. P.J. "The Human Shoe Collection" Tucker.

That said, Tucker is not the player he once was. Who could be at 39? Tucker's trade value in 2024 is likely minimal. What does Siegal have the Rockets giving up for Tucker?

Oh. Oh! Jock Landale. That's a good deal in a variety of ways.

Firstly, the Rockets will welcome Steven Adams into their rotation in 2024-25. Sure, he's injury-prone. That's fine. The Rockets had tremendous success with lineups featuring Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5 in 2023-24. If Adams goes down, they can lean on those lineups even if Landale is out of the picture.

Simply put, the Rockets are trading a third-string player for a third-string player here. Tucker won't prominently factor into their rotation, but that could be seen as a benefit. The Rockets are overly deep. If Landale isn't part of their fully healthy rotation anyway, Tucker is a more valuable player to have at the back of the bench.

That's not to disrespect Landale. We're only saying that Tucker has some of the best intangibles in the NBA. His toughness ought to rub off on a young squad that's already being groomed to be one of the toughest teams in the NBA.

Tucker is a perfect fit for this team's burgeoning culture. Moreover, he could still contribute on a per-need basis: just like Landale. The only remaining question is whether this makes sense for the Rockets financially.

It does. After the upcoming season, Tucker hits unrestricted free agency (or, in all likelihood, retires). By contrast, Landale is making $8 million a year through to 2026-27.

That's not a burdensome deal. Landale has a team option in 2026-27. The Rockets are effectively shedding his guaranteed $8 million in 2026-27 here.

Is it worth it?

This is a shrewd move for the Rockets

Absolutely.

Is this a blockbuster? Not even close. This deal has the Rockets flipping a third-string player for a more sensible third-string player for them to roster.

It's a marginal move. Perhaps that's why we like it. If the Rockets are going to push their chips in, they should be getting a top-10 player. Otherwise, it makes more sense to stay the course. Most large-scale deals don't suit their current situation, so a smaller deal like this one suits us perfectly fine.

For once.

Grade: A