TRADE ALERT!
Houston Rockets make headlines with surprising Nets trade
Jun 26, 2024, 11:36 am
TRADE ALERT!
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Houston Rockets made a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to send the Nets' 2026 first-round pick back to Brooklyn. In exchange, the Rockets receive the Suns' 2027 first-round pick, a pick swap with the Suns in 2025, and could end up with the Suns' pick in 2029.
Most importantly in the deal, per sources: Houston relinquishes the right to swap a Houston/OKC first-round pick for Brooklyn's 2025 first-round pick. The Nets control their own pick as they go into a full rebuild -- especially important in talented 2025 draft. https://t.co/jUR0f5lSjM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Sound confusing yet? Woj is also reporting that the Rockets have/had interest in using the Suns' picks to acquire Kevin Durant or Devin Booker down the road, should the Suns decide to rebuild.
Rockets possess a pick swap with Suns in 2025, Suns' pick in 2027 and could end up with the Suns' pick in 2029 based on contingencies. If the Suns are ever faced with breaking up team, Houston's also in prime position to pursue a younger Devin Booker. For now, Phoenix is trying… https://t.co/p29C3XSpe2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Hopefully, this will clear things up. Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic:
The Rockets are now essentially in control of the Suns’ 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, still have the Nets’ 2027 first (in addition to their own 2027 first) and have the right to choose the more favorable 2029 first-round pick between Dallasand Phoenix, a team source confirmed. In 2028 and 2029, Houston also has its own first-round pick.
Woj discusses the deal further in the video below. The Rockets' conversation starts at the 4:20 mark.
Reporting on ESPN’s breaking news on the Knicks landing Mikal Bridges, the Nets draft haul/future and Houston landing the Suns’ unprotected picks with @stanverrett on @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/ei4GBJ9xMG
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
It's no secret, the Houston Astros are on a hot streak and have evened their record at 40-40 after winning seven straight games. But there's always room for improvement, and Astros GM Dana Brown has said repeatedly that the club will be buyers at the trade deadline.
Just this week, Astros insider Michael Schwab posted that Houston has interest in trading for Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., according to sources.
The Astros have identified Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as one of their top targets for a trade, per sources.
It will take a lot to land a player like him, who will be a free agent in 2026, but he would bring a big bat and solve the first base problem.
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) June 26, 2024
And Schwab has been right about these things before. He was the first to report that the Rangers were trading for Max Scherzer last season.
But this report made us wonder, should upgrading first base be the team's top priority? The club is down to four starting pitchers, and Mauricio Dubon has done a decent job at first since the departure of Jose Abreu.
Plus, dealing with the Blue Jays could get tricky, with former Astros GM James Click in Toronto's front office. We highly doubt he's looking to help the Astos after Jim Crane allegedly pushed him out the door after the 2022 World Series winning season.
And let's not forget, teams like the Yankees have deeper farm systems that could provide the Blue Jays with a bigger haul than Houston. The Astros at a minimum would likely have to trade away a quality prospect or two and player on the roster like Jake Meyers or Chas McCormick.
Oh, and we haven't even discussed the money. Guerrero Jr. is making about $20 million this year, and is under contract next season as well. A move like this would push the Astros over the second luxury tax threshold in all likelihood.
Pitching wins championships
The Astros currently have seven pitchers on the IL, and Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers aren't expected back for another month at the earliest. Justin Verlander is also dealing with a neck injury, with no timetable set for his return.
Not to mention, Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco have never thrown more than 125 innings in any professional season, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
Which is why we wouldn't be surprised if the interest in Guerrero is a smoke screen, and the Astros are really focused on adding pitching. However, it is fun to imagine him in the middle of the Astros lineup.
Finally, it may be time to have a discussion about how quickly the Astros are bringing pitchers back from injury. Dana Brown has admitted they may have rushed JP France back a little too soon. He, too, is done for the season and expected to have shoulder surgery next week.
This leads us to question if the season-ending injuries to Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy could have been prevented.
Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!
*Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be on the lookout for bonus episodes on Thursdays!