Rockets could steal ideal guard upgrade from Thunder’s looming roster crunch

The NBA’s premier franchise is about to have a problem that 29 other franchises would love to have: the Oklahoma City Thunder have too many high-end NBA players. This offseason, the Thunder are set to plunge into the luxury tax, with massive extensions kicking in for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

The Thunder also have Cason Wallace entering the final year of his contract. Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe will be entering the second-last year of their deals. Those four players have their strengths and weaknesses, but for the most part, they can all shoot, dribble and defend. That makes them top-notch complementary players.

The Houston Rockets’ playoff run showed a distinct lack of shooting and offensive creation. If Oklahoma City, a franchise that usually avoids the luxury tax at all costs, decides it wants to trade one of these players before it has to make a difficult financial decision in free agency, then Houston should absolutely give the Thunder a call.

How would one of the Thunder’s guards help Houston?

Each guard brings a slightly different skill set. McCain and Joe are sharpshooters, but not as stout defensively as Ime Udoka might prefer. Cason Wallace is the best defender of the four, but he is probably the most limited offensively. Ajay Mitchell is probably the least consistent shooter, but he is the best overall two-way player and the most complete offensive option.

Mitchell would likely command the highest price on the trade market. He has two years left on his contract and is the most comfortable with the ball in his hands. However, his offensive creation, passable shooting and quality defense would make him the best fit in Houston.

Besides Mitchell, Wallace can handle some secondary playmaking responsibilities, knock down open shots and be a menace on defense. McCain and Joe would help Houston’s shooting, but they may not be strong enough defensively to earn Udoka’s full trust. If Houston pursued a trade, Mitchell and Wallace should be the priorities.

Something that should not be underrated about either player is their big-game experience. Mitchell and Wallace were both part of the Thunder’s championship roster and are making another deep playoff run this year. They have seen what it takes to win at the highest level. That would be very useful in a young locker room like Houston’s.

What should Houston be willing to pay?

Both players would immediately address pressing needs for Houston and fit nicely into the rotation. The Rockets should be willing to pay for that.

A future first-round pick and a couple of second-round picks would be a reasonable place to start negotiations with the Thunder. As long as the asking price is not totally outrageous, Houston should have no problem handing over future draft compensation to improve the team now.

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