Rockets reportedly shopping K.J. McDaniels

Just a few days ago, we were speculating that the Rockets needed to make a move before the trade deadline hits on February 23, and now we get confirmation that they are, in fact, being active in trade discussions. And one of the pieces they are looking to send out in a deal is 24-year-old wing K.J. McDaniels.

In addition to moving McDaniels, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Rockets are in “win now” mode and are looking to move other players as well in order to receive a significant upgrade to the rotation heading down the final stretch of the season. Here’s what Lowe had to say:

Houston is chasing a win-now move, sources say, and may send out K.J. McDaniels as the sweetener. McDaniels doesn't play, mostly because of a busted jumper. Some team should take a shot on him at the right price. If there's a lesson of the last half-decade of NBA trades, it's this: When there's a rangy or athletic wing that has even a 10 percent chance of being decent, try to grab that player as a throw-in to a larger deal. Think about how teams landed Crowder, Middleton, Iman Sumpert, Will Barton and even Tim Hardaway Jr. You cannot have enough versatile wings.

So while we called for a smaller move at the deadline, by calling McDaniels a “throw-in to a larger deal”, Lowe insinuates the Rockets are looking at a major shakeup. There was some speculation that the Rockets were after talented but oft-injured swingman Danilo Gallinari, but there has been no further rumors on that front since last week.

Other big names Lowe thinks are available (but not linked to the Rockets) include Al Horford, Blake Griffin, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Greg Monroe, Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Jahlil Okafor, Louis Williams and P.J. Tucker.

So what say you, Rockets fans? How do you feel about moving McDaniels? What big name do you think the Rockets could be targeting? And what kind of package do think it takes to get it done? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.