Houston Rockets: Who Should They Trade Or Keep This Summer?

The Houston Rockets were built this past offseason with two goals– beat the Golden State Warriors and win the NBA Finals.  They would end the regular season with the best record in the league, the MVP on their team, the best backcourt, and the most complete team from top to bottom. However, that was the regular season. The Rockets would once again fall victim to untimely injuries and too much Harden-ball. Now it’s time for Daryl Morey to make some serious decisions regarding the Rockets future.

For starters, how difficult is it to pass up 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists this season? This would be one of the things Daryl Morey will have to consider before mortgaging over his team’s future for one or two seasons. Yes, a championship may come the Rockets way but at what cost?

Look around the Rockets’ locker room and you will see players with a specific role. While 10 of the last 11 NBA Finals have featured at least one Big 3 team, the Rockets were on course to do what only the Lakers (’09-’10) and Mavericks (’10-’11) could do. Each team found a way to defeat a Big 3 in a big playoff matchup. The ’17-18 Rockets led by James Harden and Chris Paul were set to be next.

While LeBron’s numbers throughout his career have him firmly cemented in the Hall of Fame, Morey must pay attention to what he has right in from of him. Harden is the soul of this team. Paul has taken on a Robin-like approach, however, it’s the role players who make the Rockets heavy favorites. Despite their breakdown against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, this Rockets team is still set to do big things next season. Only if, they can keep this most of this core together.

Who Should The Rockets Trade Or Keep This Summer?

What it will all boil down to is what to do with Paul, Clint Capela, Trevor Ariza, and Ryan Anderson? Paul took home $24.4 million last season. Capela ($2.3), Ariza ($7.4), and Anderson ($20.4). While Anderson is not a free agent this summer, his contract must be moved in order for the Rockets to make any major moves. The two biggest issues are what to do with Paul and Capela?

While Ariza is a great on-ball defender, his offense has not contributed too much of the Rockets success. Capela had another great season but will the Rockets be able to afford him? And how much will Paul be willing to shave off his salary for the next contract? Then there is the elephant in the room by the name of LeBron James.

The Rockets were an injury away from reaching the NBA Finals, but once again Paul went down and at the age of 33, Morey has to wonder if his body can withstand another grueling season while being fresh for the playoffs. This is what hindered his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul was stunning throughout the regular season but by the time the playoffs rolled around, he was often seen on the floor or in street clothes watching his teammates. Nothing has changed. So, is Chris Paul really worth another $25 million to disappear, yet again when he’s needed the most?

But is LeBron the answer? For the Rockets to obtain the coveted free agent, Morey will need to let a few major pieces walk out the door. Here’s something to consider. If the Rockets were to know that LeBron is coming, then maybe his good friend Paul will take a pay cut and hopefully, LeBron will as well. This will allow Morey to sign Capela long-term but he will still need to trade Anderson and say goodbye to Ariza. That is a chance the Rockets must be willing to take.

While Harden is set, the Rockets will need to find money to pay Paul, Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Clint Capela. Out of those four, Capela and Paul are the most important. The Rockets have done it without Paul before but they have not been as dominant as they are now with him. The same can be said for Capela. How can Morey turn his back on 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per? Losing Ariza will sting some on the defensive side but not as much as losing Moute and Capela.

Adding LeBron will take any sting away but paying LeBron $35 million will leave the Rockets depleted of funds. Morey will have to make a tough call. Will it be LeBron or Capela, Ariza, and Moute?

Mark Wilson

Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.