Rockets can't even entertain Anthony Davis mock trade proposal

The Rockets may feel desperation to improve their title odds next season with Kevin Durant still on the team, but Anthony Davis can't be the route to get there. Analyst Yossi Gozlan recently pitched an idea sending Davis and first-round draft compensation to the Rockets in exchange for Alperen Sengun, but that deal simply doesn't make sense from Houston's side.

Even though Davis sounds like a good fit on paper, especially defensively, his recent track record of production and health don't inspire any confidence. Davis has played just 71 total games in the last two seasons and only put up 20 points per game during his brief Mavericks tenure. It goes without saying that the Rockets would rather keep Sengun than trade for Davis, even if they would get future picks as well.

The Rockets have no reason to trade for Davis

In theory, Davis would be a massive defensive improvement over Sengun without being much of an offensive downgrade. But relying on an aging star to revitalize the defense is not a sustainable source of success. The last time we saw him healthy on an NBA court, Davis looked flat-footed compared to his previous peak as a switchable lockdown defender.

During his time in Dallas, Davis didn't make a huge impact on winning and there's no reason for the Rockets to bet that he could turn the tide in Houston. Even if Davis could rediscover his best form on a contending team with more motivation, his injury history is enough to scare off all but the most desperate teams. The Rockets can't add another major risk to their roster, especially in place of Sengun - one of the most consistent and healthy players on the team.

It's impossible to add Davis without giving up a lot

If the Rockets could acquire Davis for nothing of value, there's a chance they would bite as a way to maximize their title chances around a 38-year-old Durant. But Davis is slated to make over $58 million next season, with a player option for the following season that'll be worth nearly $63 million. He's one of the 5 highest-paid players in the entire NBA, which makes any transaction with him prohibitively difficult.

Sengun and Durant are the only Rockets who will make even half of Davis' salary next season. Stacking up smaller contracts to reach his number is genuinely impossible because so many players would have to be involved. It's hard to find a cap-legal method of adding Davis to the Rockets that brings back enough value for Houston, even if the Wizards are willing to attach multiple future firsts (which is highly unlikely).

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