Possible trade targets for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets might have missed out on Jimmy Butler, but they shouldn’t be counted out of the trade market just yet.

A move is always on the horizon for the crafty Daryl Morey, and if the Rockets can ever find their shooting stroke from deep (we started to see it against Indiana), it feels like they’re one solid transaction away from being a top-tier team.

Here are some are some potential trade targets for the Rockets.

Kent Bazemore

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Bazemore is the more obvious choice as their primary trade target. He’s been on the Rockets’ wish list for some time now, and he’d actually be a dream asset to acquire. James Ennis was more of a Luc M Bah A Moute replacement, and Bazemore would be the perfect Trevor Ariza replacement- and then some.

Along with a great presence at the defensive end, Bazemore has upped his scoring and minutes every year since he first joined Atlanta in 2014. Last year, he was a knock-down shooter from behind the arc at 39 percent with a little over four attempts a game. This year his shooting from three has gone down a bit, but he’s now averaging nearly 15 points a game, and taking a lot more shots at the rim, making 63 percent of said shots. Did I also mention that he’s only 29 years old? With the Hawks in complete rebuilding mode, there’s probably plenty of opportunity to acquire.

Kyle Korver

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When I said “Kyle Korver,” you probably bounced your head side to side and said, “Yeah, sure. That’d be a solid move.” The fact is that it’d be a great addition, but what all do the Cavaliers want in return for him? Now before you run to look at his stats, just keep in mind that Korver reportedly wants out of Cleveland after LeBron James’ departure, but they said “no.” So there’s a reason why you’ll see that his minutes, points, and field goal attempts are drastically down.

Just last year, he was putting in 21 minutes a game, and per usual, knocking down three-pointers at 43 percent on 5 attempts per game. He’s still a viable contributor, especially with a team that lets it fly like Houston and can create plenty of space for him. He should definitely be on their radar.

Otto Porter Jr.

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Acquiring Otto Porter might be a case of taking advantage of a bad situation for the Rockets. The Washington Wizards are free falling early this year to an abysmal 3-9 record when they were thought to be more competitive this season (I feel you on that one).

The team might look to shake things up a bit, and Porter has been just unproductive enough to get rid of, but just good enough to trade for some assets. Not to mention, the Wizards didn’t want to offer him a contract in free agency, but they did match the Nets’ offer of 4 years, $106.5 million. Unfortunately, that does mean that Porter is on the more expensive side. On the plus side, he’s only 25, he’s a career 40% three-point shooter, and he’s incredibly lengthy and versatile. His numbers may be down this year, but everyone’s numbers are on the Wizards, and he could definitely make a splash on the right team.

DeMarre Carroll

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DeMarre Carroll, AKA “If you can’t get Kent Bazemore.” Just kidding. Carroll missed the start of the season due to right ankle arthroscopy, and made his season debut for the Nets only a couple of days ago on Nov. 9. When he’s healthy, though, he’s a solid two-way player who can shoot the three well and get you about 10 points a night. The Rockets aren’t going to shy away from versatile wings, and Carroll definitely fits that mold. Not to mention, he’s making a little over $15 million this year, and it so happens that a certain couple of assets fit that fiscal amount perfectly. If the Nets are looking to get younger, then shipping off the 32-year-old sounds like to good idea.

James Johnson

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James Johnson was a trade favorite for the Rockets this offseason, but they could never get a deal done. Like Carroll, Johnson was out early this season, and has yet to see floor as he’s been out with a sports hernia. Johnson brings a great defensive presence for the Rockets, and his size and length makes him very versatile. He might not be the best three-pointer shooter, but he can still make them. It’s his inside presence and ability to finish at the rim that makes him valuable to the Rockets. With him injured, it might be the right time to get a deal done for him, but only time will tell if the Heat are willing to part ways.

Who would trade for if you were Daryl Morey? Tell us in the comments.