TRADE: Westbrook to WAS | Wall + lottery protected '23 1st to HOU

[Mavsfan12]

Obv with Wall is he had an avalanche of injuries but I think he's going to be finally back to near full strength. His game compliments Harden's better since he can do more off-ball stuff (like you know, shoot) vs Westbrook who could do pretty much nothing without the ball in his hands.

I can see why the Wiz would like Westbrook who is a very good player without the baggage of being injured for 2 years. Beal can also do more off-ball stuff. Westbrook will all a high usage rate but I think he can help raise the floor of that Wiz team. I can definitely see why both teams had interest in swapping players.

I am not certain yet that Houston is going to take a huge step back unless they decide to trade Harden. Assuming they keep Harden they are still putting together a roster that will be a playoff team in that 4-6 range most likely.

Houston's starting lineup is something like: Wall, Harden, House or Gordon, Tucker and Wood. This is still a good lineup with Gordon being maybe a 6th man. Cousins will provide some offense off the bench but I think he is close to being cooked.

That starting lineup gives you 5 out without having to go ultra small. Tucker at the 4 makes a lot more sense. I know RoCo would have been better in that lineup but they cashed in on a good deal for RoCo. Tucker at the 4 means you don't have to have RoCo at the 4 and an athletic 5 who can shoot outside is perfect for their system.

So all that to say I would not count out the Rockets as a force in the West. I don't think they sign Wood to the deal they did if they were going to blow things up.

They basically traded RoCo for Wood and a pick.  (as they used ariza/one of the two picks from Por to get Wood in SnT).  It was evident that they couldn't go COMPLETELY centerless...  lol.  I think their offseason is ending with them actually feeling pretty good about themselves and their chances.  Taking a flyer on Boogie was pretty savvy.  Now we see if Harden is on board or not.  He is the motor that makes that team run.