Houston Rockets projected to reverse course, deal defensive wing

The Houston Rockets' 2023-24 NBA campaign is nearly here. We're about a month away from Rockets basketball.

It's almost feels unreal to type that. The Rockets are entering a pressure-packed season, as they've told everyone that they're expecting to be contenders as they enter phase two of their rebuild. 

Major networks have even taken notice, as they've given the Rockets four prime-time games this year. The Rockets made an upgrade at head coach, ushering in Ime Udoka and ridding themselves of Stephen Silas.

They also landed one of the best point guards in the 2023 free agent class in Fred VanVleet, an NBA champion and former All-Star. In addition, the Rockets inked Dillon Brooks to a four-year deal worth north of $85 million, as Udoka sought to improve upon the Rockets' near last place ranking in defensive efficiency.

But according to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, the Rockets could be dealing with an instant case of buyer's remorse as it pertains to the All-Defensive wing. In Swartz' '10 Trade Predictions for the 2023-24 season', he says the Rockets will ultimately trade Brooks.

Houston Rockets expected to deal with major case of buyer's remorse this season.

"At some point, the Rockets will realize they made a mistake.

Brooks' four-year, $86 million contract looks bad now, but it will become an even bigger problem when Houston's young core come off their rookie deals. Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün will be eligible to sign extensions in 2024, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason will follow suit in 2025.

New head coach Ime Udoka is going to grow tired of Brooks' self-imposed green light, especially with so many young mouths to feed on this roster.

The Rockets have a ton of young talent and were smart to get a veteran point guard in Fred VanVleet to bring out the best in them. However, don't be surprised if they look to get out of the Brooks contract as early as this year."

If this is the case, the Rockets may find it rather difficult to deal Brooks, as teams won't be lined up to take on his gaudy contract. And it doesn't help that the deal is fully-guaranteed and devoid of any team control, as the contract doesn't contain any team options.