TRADE: RoCo to HOU | Capela to ATL | ATL 1st to MIN | HOU 1st to DEN

[mavsluvr]

Not sure why you guys don't see it but even though they gave up a lot the Rockets are definitely better now after this trade. First off Capela wasn't being used the same way as last year with the new dynamic they have with Russ and Harden, and he's been injured. Roco is a huge upgrade over there on defense and offense if were talking current. I definitely did not want to see the Rockets upgrade.

Their pace has increased since acquiring Westbrook  They will now play small and run on every opportunity.  Don't see how RoCo really improves them though.  He hasn't been Philly RoCo. They're gonna miss Capela, trust me.

Maybe. They weren't using him that much any more. He and Westbrook were a disaster on the floor together on the offensive end, since neither of them can shoot. Houston doesn't run that much pick and roll any more, they're playing more five out with Westbrook going to the rim, so they didn't need Capela's skills as much. I can see why they're getting a cheaper option, now that they have different needs. 

Agree that they're going bizarrely small. I guess it's an example of trying to make the rest of the league adjust to them, since they can't compete with certain teams on their opponents' terms.