Rockets pitched as perfect landing spot for elite long-range shooter

Approaching the midway point of the season, the Houston Rockets have easily surpassed preseason expectations. Although the Rockets have had a bit of a regression of late, they're still a fringe play-in team and likely will be in play for the tournament the rest of the way.

The Rockets have also been hampered by injuries for essentially the entirety of the season, starting with Amen Thompson, followed by injuries to Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, the latter of which is still plaguing the team. 

The Rockets have been a fiery bunch that's been tough to beat, especially at home, where they boast a 16-7 record. The Rockets do have several holes, however, as they lack shooting on the roster and need a defensive-minded big man. 

One situation worth monitoring is Malcolm Brogdon's future in Portland. The Blazers are a rebuilding team and don't really have a long-term need for Brogdon, as younger rebuilding units don't typically keep too many 31-year-olds on the roster.

Rockets could address shooting woes at the trade deadline

Especially when there's long-term salary involved, like in Brogdon's case, as he's under contract through 2024-25 at $22.5 million. The Blazers haven't been very active on the trade front with Brogdon but many are expecting them to eventually deal the former Sixth Man of the Year.

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley pitched a trade proposal that would send the Blazers guard to the Space City.

Buckley's logic is below:

"Houston's 20th-ranked attack needs a boost, and Brogdon could provide several with his scoring, creation and outside shooting. Perhaps more importantly, he's a fit both behind and alongside Fred VanVleet, meaning he could help make the Rockets' best players better while also keeping things moving without them.

The two players headed to Portland here would simply make the money work. Really, this is all about the picks for the Blazers, and getting a potential lottery pick plus a decent second-rounder isn't a bad haul for a 31-year-old non-star."

Giving up the Brooklyn Nets' pick this year in exchange for Brogdon should really be a no-go, even with the top-five protection, but everything else looks good here. Obviously Oladipo and Landale are going to be included in any deal that forces the Rockets to take on $20 million or close to it.

Brogdon would be a tremendous boost for the Rockets, especially when it comes to long-range shooting, as he's made 41.4 percent of his treys this season and made over 44 percent of his treys last season. He'd also give the Rockets another facilitator, which they could certainly use.

Fortunately, we won't have to wait too long to find out, because the trade deadline is a little over a week away.