[Iko] The Rockets have gotten a few calls about players like Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate, sources tell @TheAthletic , but consider both part of their core and aren’t looking to move either.

5 Comments

1. Few_Mulberry7175 2 years ago

   This past Thursday NBA players who signed free-agent deals during the offseason became trade eligible.

   The Houston Rockets didn’t bring in any notable free agents this summer but were able to re-sign key components Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. to long-term extensions (Tate is not trade eligible until Jan. 15 per CBA rules). We’re still a few months away from the Feb. 9 trade deadline where things traditionally tend to pick up, so a good chunk of Houston’s incoming calls have been outlines of what teams are trying to accomplish in the short and long term.

   The Rockets are well past the “blow it up” point as an organization. They are 9-20, tied for last in the Western Conference with the San Antonio Spurs and now have clear goals for their rebuild. But that doesn’t stop teams from calling and Houston are notorious listeners. Let’s take an early look at the trade market and what it means for them…

   • Contenders around the league are trying to gauge Houston’s internal temperature. It’s common practice for teams to express their early roster needs during this time and outline their objectives, especially given the NBA’s parity to date. The Western Conference is a prime example, with the second-placed New Orleans Pelicans and 13th-placed Oklahoma City Thunder separated by just six and a half games. The Athletic understands contenders and playoff hopefuls alike have called the Rockets and are making two types of proposals — moving a draft pick for a wing player or getting unwanted money off their books. Again, league history tells us most trades won’t happen until February. Still, rival teams tend to drop in, gather intel and keep tabs.

   • To the surprise of no one, the most asked about player on the Rockets roster from contenders is veteran wing Eric Gordon. Since the departure of James Harden and Russell Westbrook in 2020, along with Houston’s other veterans during their contending years, Gordon’s continued presence has been met with a mixture of emotions. The Rockets have turned down offers for Gordon at every possible juncture — the draft, offseason and trade deadline — but a resolution to this saga may finally be had this season. Team and league sources tell The Athletic the Rockets are more inclined to moving the 33-year-old than at any point over the past two seasons.

   • The Rockets have come close to moving Gordon a few times in the past, but there are a few layers to this sudden paradigm shift. From an age perspective, Gordon is clearly on a different timeline than the rest of the roster. He’s averaging a career-low 11.8 points per game but is still considered a serviceable two-way option — shooting 35 percent from 3 on five attempts per game and Houston are 2.5 points better defensively when Gordon is on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass. He’s also on the last year of guaranteed money, making nearly $20 million this year and has a team option for the 2023-24 season.

   • “This might finally be the year for EG,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “His contract is essentially expiring with next season being non-guaranteed and he’s on a big number. Houston can use that to take on some bad money and get an asset from some teams, but other teams still have real interest in him because he can help a contender. He’s a shot creator who can play on and off the ball. Good shooter who can handle it and pass enough. Going into a winning situation should rejuvenate him some too. He’s a pro and a team guy.”

   • While he’s long been admired by the front office and coaching staff, Gordon has made no secret of his desire to return to winning, contending ways and he’s made his preference for a move to a contender known during the offseason, but he’s since remained professional and patient. As stated earlier, Houston is more open to moving Gordon now than before but remains steadfast in their internal valuation of him. The Rockets have more interest in acquiring a young player or a future first-round pick for his services than a late first in next year’s draft. If Houston can get that offer, team sources said they would move Gordon now and not wait until the February deadline. Already armed with their own first-round selection and Milwaukee’s in next year’s draft, there’s not a strong urge to add three more young players to a roster already stocked to the brim with them.

   • Speaking of young players, K.J. Martin is next in line in terms of interest around the league. The Athletic was the first to report Martin’s trade request this past summer due to concerns over his long-term role and a rotation that resigned Tate, still had Gordon and drafted rookies Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Rival teams continue to believe the Rockets will eventually move Martin, which explains the continued interest. Still, it would be strange to move a 21-year-old versatile forward on a team-friendly contract that seems to be improving with each season. In early November, The Athletic reported Martin’s willingness to sign an extension, off the back of strong performances and extended time on the court.

   Recently, however, his usage has been a bit inconsistent. For example, Martin has played more than 22 minutes just twice in the past 10 games, both garbage time in blowout losses. After his best performance of the season — a 21-point, 15-rebound performance in 34 minutes in a 128-122 win over the Atlanta Hawks, he played just 14 minutes the next game. As mentioned earlier, finding time for Martin on the floor has been made easier with Tate’s absence with injury but he will return at some point. Team sources believe Martin loves his teammates and simply wants to feel valued — both from a rotational/role standpoint and a financial one. At the same time, while the Rockets aren’t necessarily looking to trade Martin, it’s important to remember that every player has a price.

   • “K.J. interest makes sense,” the scout said. “In a way, he’s duplication to Tate who Houston already paid, so teams think he is attainable. More than that though, he’s a young player with an elite thing — his athleticism. He’s off the charts there and you feel it in different areas of the game. He’s on a team-friendly deal and has some upside. Every team needs a role player like him to fly around and change games but there’s some room for growth, too.”

   • There have been a few calls about players like Eason and Tate, team sources said, but the Rockets consider both key parts of their core and aren’t looking to move either one. They aren’t entertaining any inquiries about Green or Smith, either.

2. docjohnson1395 2 years ago

   This is the first I’m hearing Gordon had asked out. I’m surprised given how patient he’s been, but I suppose the starting position is probably why he’s been so professional

3. babloochoudhury 2 years ago

   Yes to trading to Jae’Sean. No to Tari Eason.

4. htownballa1 2 years ago

   GM – Tari?

   Stone – click

5. Answer70 2 years ago

   Stone is good at the draft, but it’s starting to look like he’s not great at roster building…