Grade the trade: Rockets land shooting, size in mock deal with Pistons

Why the Rockets do the deal

Alec Burks doesn’t provide much on the defensive end, but the Rockets don’t need him for that. They need his shooting and he’s a marksman (40.1 percent from three on 5.8 attempts).

Stewart brings toughness to the Rockets’ front line, which is lacking significantly. He’s a tenacious big man who can operate as a small ball five or play the power forward position due to his frame (6-foot-8).

His defensive prowess has been evident even on the lowly Pistons, as the team is significantly worse on the defensive end with him off the court.

Stewart provides spacing, due to his ability to knock down the three (37.4 percent on 3.7 attempts). Granted, Stewart seems to lack confidence as a shooter, as we’ve seen him pass up open shots regularly this season. This is a problem because teams already don’t view him as a threat from long-range, so he essentially is always given the green light to fire away by opposing defenses.

Burks and Stewart would be a formidable duo for the Rockets, as it would give them shooting and everything they hoped they’d get out of Landale (and more).

However, parting with Brooklyn’s 2024 first-round pick is simply too much for this package. Especially whe the Rockets will be stuck with Stewart’s remaining three years and $45 million fully guaranteed.

Rockets trade grade: B-