Pass or pursue on Rockets' 8 biggest trade targets

6. AJ Griffin- pursue

AJ Griffin is a low-risk, high-reward prospect. The Duke product could use a change of scenery, as he appears to be permanently out of Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder’s rotations.

After shooting 39 percent from long-range in 2022-23, the 20-year-old is shooting just 29.5 percent from deep this season. According to the Action Network's Matt Moore, the Rockets are interested in Griffin, whose value is surely at an all-time low.

For this reason, it would be wise for the Rockets to pursue the 6-foot-6 forward, as they could address their shooting deficit with a second-round pick (or two) on a fringe lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Griffin is also under contract for the next two years, at just $9.7 million total, with a team option in the final year. Again, this should be a no-brainer.

If it doesn't work out for some reason, the Rockets could simply decline his option after next season. 

5. Nick Richards- pass

Nick Richards is quietly putting together a career year, as he's reached career highs in virtually every statistical category. The 27-year-old big man is averaging 9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 67.6 percent from the field, and 70.8 percent true shooting.

This is a bit misleading, however, as it's largely the result of an uptick in playing time (career best 24.4 minutes per contest). In addition, Richards has started 20 of the 33 games he's played this season.

In other words, he's benefited from playing on an awful Charlotte Hornets team. Because he surely wouldn't be starting anywhere else.

Although he has potential to be a rim protector, he oftentimes gets lost on defense, leading to easy baskets for the opposition. Furthermore, Richards lacks basketball IQ on the offensive end also, as he regularly prioritizes scoring over finding the open man.

Eric Pincus of the Bleacher Report reported that the Rockets have interest in acquiring Richards from the Hornets, which would be a huge mistake.