With training camp just around ⁢the corner, the Rockets seem to be in great shape health-wise. Steven Adams reportedly has been participating in five-on-five​ drills without ​limitations, and there haven’t been any⁢ updates regarding health issues for the rest of the Rockets. Everything appears ​to be set for a successful launch.

The same⁢ cannot be ‌said for some other teams.

I’ve labeled this piece as “Rockets Trade Rumors,” but I’m not⁣ aware of any actual rumors at the moment. I strive to keep ⁣things honest,​ so‍ I won’t be referencing myself as⁣ an “unnamed source.” To clarify,‌ I’m‍ not promoting any trade rumors regarding the Rockets.

That‌ said, let’s indulge in some speculation!

We recently found out that Mitchell⁢ Robinson, the primary center for the New York Knicks, will be sidelined until at‌ least mid-December. The only centers currently on the Knicks roster include Precious ‌Achiuwa, NBA ⁢2K figure⁣ Jericho Sims, and potentially Julius Randle in a ​“Five Out” lineup.

In New Orleans, the center situation is similar, featuring Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Zion Williamson, who can ⁣play the center position. ‌The Pelicans also have Karlo Matkovic, a player viewed as developmental. Perhaps this is sufficient depth at center for the Pelicans?

On the other hand, ⁢the Rockets boast the rising talent Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams (on a one-year contract), ‌and Jock Landale. If Adams is indeed ​healthy—possibly a given—the Rockets possess strong center depth, or they may‍ have a center they could consider trading.

I find it hard to believe that the Rockets would trade a‌ competent center to their Southwest Division‌ rivals, the Pelicans, but anything is possible. However,‌ they must avoid any ​trade‌ talks involving Brandon Ingram. The deafening silence surrounding his⁣ potential re-signing or ⁢trading ⁢should serve as a clear⁤ warning. It’s best to steer clear.

As for the ‍Knicks? Their trade assets are limited, having invested nearly ⁤everything—including⁢ the MSG kitchen sink—to form the Ultimate Version of the Nova Knicks. It should be noted⁤ that Landale⁤ comes at a⁢ low cost. They could potentially trade Landale for Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, and perhaps another player ‌like Jericho Sims.

But does this ⁤really enhance the Rockets’ capabilities? It’s uncertain. Acquiring ‌another big, athletic player like Dadiet​ could fulfill a crucial need⁤ for development at ‌this ​stage.

Kawhi Leonard ​recently underwent another knee procedure, ​coinciding with him being sent home from USA Basketball camp for the upcoming Paris Olympics. If Kawhi is sidelined, the Clippers are left ⁢with James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and perhaps Kevin Porter Jr.

If⁢ Kawhi⁤ is indeed finished, after having secured an extension by playing a majority of ‍the last season, would the Clippers contemplate dismantling the team? They’d ‌likely want to⁣ replicate the Nets’ strategy and reacquire their draft picks. ⁣Moreover, they might look to offload players‍ with longer contracts. ⁤It’s plausible that⁤ the Clippers would want to trade Ivica Zubac ‌while his contract remains affordable (approximately $11.5 million). A deal‌ swapping Adams for Zubac would be straightforward, but that would burden the Rockets with Zubac’s escalating contract ($18 million, $19 million, $21 million beginning in 2025-2026).

Could the Clippers add a sweetener to the deal? It’s difficult to envision what that might involve. Nevertheless, Zubac is a more well-rounded center and is ‌four‌ years younger than ⁣Adams. The combination of Sengun and Zubac, while not exactly ‌impenetrable defensively, ‍could prove to be a challenging duo to contend with.

In any case, ‍this all falls under the

realm of “idle speculation waiting for camp to open”. But you never‌ know…

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