How recent NBA blockbuster impacts the Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets did not make their blockbuster trade this summer.

Instead, the team is lying in wait. The Rockets have one of the best collections of assets in the league. They can broker a wide range of deals. Still, the best strategic decision is waiting until the right deal is available.

So, their fans are watching other teams wheel and deal. The Timberwolves and Knicks just put together a doozy. Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and draft consideration are headed to Minnesota, and Karl-Anthony Towns will find a residence in the Big Apple.

It effects the Rockets in several ways.

Weaker Western Conference for Rockets?

If you missed it, the Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2023-24. This was a formidable group. Now, they'll be without their second option.

However, they're adding a new one. Julius Randle is a polarizing player, but he's an undeniably talented scorer and playmaker. That said, he doesn't feel like a strong fit alongside Anthony Edwards compared to Towns.

Towns is almost undeniably the best three-point shooting center of all time. Last year, he connected on 41.6% of his triples. Randle knocked down 31.1% of his. Edwards' rim pressure combined with Towns' three-point gravity made for a potent offensive dynamic for the Wolves last year.

Yes, Randle has had much stronger seasons from long range. Still, this isn't the first subpar season he's had either. Disregarding the percentages, it's fair to say that Randle doesn't have nearly the same gravity as Towns.

We shouldn't overlook the inclusion of DiVincenzo. He's a high-impact role player. Still, that added depth doesn't feel likely to compensate for a downgraded starting lineup.

The Wolves didn't do this deal to improve. They did it because Randle's deal expires two years earlier than Towns'. With Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels on the payroll, Minnesota is trying to dodge the second apron.

Could it end up costing them more than they thought?

A star could become available for Houston

It crossed your mind. Don't deny it. You're only human.

We don't conclusively know that the Timberwolves will be worse next year. Who knows? Edwards and Randle could have uncanny chemistry that keeps Minnesota in the title picture.

Let's assume that they do decline. Suddenly, Edwards is playing for a small market team with minimal trade assets. They'll have an ill-fitting roster, and they'll have recently made a cost-cutting move despite a recent Conference Finals run.

This could be the catalyst for an Edwards trade request. In that event, the Rockets could be in the driver's seat to acquire him. Let's take a look at their competition.

The Thunder could outbid them - but they probably won't. We know they won't part with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They likely aren't going to move Chet Holmgren. Unless the Thunder are willing to move Jalen Williams - a better fit next to SGA - they're likely out on Edwards.

The Spurs are in a similar bind. They have a nice collection of draft capital, but they can't offer equally appealing young players compared to the Rockets. The Rockets should be able to beat them to the chase if Edwards shakes loose as well.

The Jazz have a lot of stuff. Will Edwards want to pivot from Minnesota to Salt Lake City? If not, would the Jazz take the enormous risk of acquiring a player who isn't happy to join them?

Sure, we're indulging in some fantasy here. A lot of dominos have to fall before the Rockets acquire Edwards. We're simply acknowledging that the first one may have just fallen.

Meanwhile, a potential Rockets target is (thankfully) off the market.

Rockets unlikely to land Towns

Towns has been one of many star targets that have been suggested for Houston before.

We're not interested. Towns is an outstanding player, but he's not in the MVP picture. We'd only move meaningful assets for a player who distinctly vaults the Rockets into the title picture.

Edwards could be that player. Towns is not. If the Rockets' front office ever had a thought of trading for Towns, they've been saved from themselves.

Their blockbuster trade will have to wait - for a while, anyway.