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Trade winds blowing: Rockets hinting at win-now mindset in deals

Rockets Jalen Green, Ime Udoka
Jalen Green is a hot topic when it comes to trades. Composite Getty Image.

The Rockets have been waiting patiently. Their fans have been frothing at the mouth. Finally, they made a move.

The trade to bring in Steven Adams may not have been the type of move many were looking forward to, but it's a move that'll help. Remember, they had Brooke Lopez all but signed on the dotted line until he decided to go back to Milwaukee this past offseason. Knowing Alperen Sengun is limited defensively, bringing in a big who can help was a priority. Lopez was more ideal because he can also hit the three. When that fell through, Jock Landale was the contingency plan.

Fast-forward to the now, and this team is threatening a play-in spot. As of this writing, they're a half game behind the 10th spot. At one point, they were as high as a 6th seed. Head coach Ime Udoka wants to win now. He sees the talent this team has and knows what it's capable of. There were some phases of the plan the organization talked about when he was hired. It seems like the plan is ahead of schedule and the team is ready to accelerate things.

Now, of course Adams wasn't the “star” they're hunting for. The Rockets are most likely looking for a piece to bring that will fit with their young core, as well as the vets they signed this past offseason. Outside shooting is something I feel they need. Yes, they're shooting 35% as a team, but guys aren't as consistent as I'd like. Possibly another shot creator could be in the cards. Not necessarily another guard, so it could be a wing. I can't quite place a finger on what's required most as far as a “star” this team would need to add right now.

When your players are sought after by teams looking to compete for titles, that's a good thing. Especially when said guy (Jae'Sean Tate) plays 18 minutes a game that can be easily given to other guys who the team sees as more of a long term investment. Looking at Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson specifically. Tate, while a solid vet, is already 28 years old. The guys I listed are 19, 22, and 21 respectively. They all can provide the same qualities Tate can in different forms. Given some time to develop, and they'll all be better pros.

Jalen Green is a hot topic when it comes to trades. Some want him to stay and feel he's untouchable. Others want the team to be built around Sengun and feel Green is getting in the way. My philosophy has always been sell high if you're going to sell at all. He has a ceiling of an All NBA/All Star/league scoring leader, and a floor of a 20 PPG scorer who's more Robin or Alfred than Batman. I don't think the organization is ready to hit the eject button on him yet. He was the number two overall pick a couple of years ago. There's still time to see what he can do in the current construct of this team before blowing it up like that.

With the deadline being February 8 at 3pm EST, we'll all have to wait and see what takes place. There will undoubtedly be some more movement made by the Rockets. Who, how much, where, and why will all be worked out in the coming days. The rumor that Udoka wants to win now and usher in Phase Two immediately has caused some to think major moves could take place. I'm under the impression that may mean bringing in pieces around the guys they have as building blocks like Green, Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. Fred van Vleet and Dillon Brooks, the aforementioned vets they signed, aren't going anywhere. They've proven themselves as valuable pieces so far. If either were ever moved, it would be Brooks since there are guys on the roster that could potentially take his role in the coming years. Trade deadline watch will be fun again for this franchise! So, what are we wearing to the watch party?

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The competition level is about to rise. Composite Getty Image.

The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.

But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.

Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.

As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.

Can the bats keep pace?

If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.

As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.

The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.

Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.

Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.

The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.

There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.

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