ROCKETS TRADE WALL 1st trade: John Wall to LAC for Beverly, Rondo, Kennard, Mann, and DET 2024 2nd Why the Clippers do this: The Clippers are championship contenders this season. However, most people know that this team could not take down a healthy Lakers or Nets. This team still needs a star PG, however they have limited assets. If they were to make a big trade they would most likely have to include Zubac as the centerpiece. But in this trade they don’t. They get an all star calibre PG in Wall for limited assets. Wall’s problem is shooting a bit too much, but that shouldn’t be a problem is he’s playing with Kawhi and George. The Clippers have Steve Balmer as the owner so money isn’t a problem. The Clippers form a BIG 3 without giving up Zubac who has single handedly elevated the defense since Ibaka went down. And, Wall reunites with Boogie! Why the Rockets do this: The Rockets will 100% draft a guard in this draft with one of their 3 1sts, whether it’s in the top 4 or in the 20s. So, they are going to need to create cap space and more minutes. The Rockets get a young piece in Mann who has been good in limited mins, while also getting vets who they can flip later. A 2nd from DET is the icing on the cake.

2nd trade: Luke Kennard to ORL for Bamba Why the Magic do this: Wendell Carter is their starting center now. Mo Bamba needs a change of scenery. The Magic get a 24 year old scoring guard who is locked up long term for a backup center who is gonna need a new deal. Why the Rockets do this: The Rockets don’t want Kennard for the same reasons they don’t want Wall, and Bamba would be a great pickup for them. Bamba is a good defensive center that can shoot so he would fit perfectly with Wood. And with the Rockets trading Wall they would have the money to resign him.

3rd trade: Rondo and House to BOS for 2022 top 18 protected 1st, turns into BOS 2022 2nd and better 2025 2nd of MEM and BOS if doesn’t convey Why the Celtics do this: The Celtics are still in need of a backup PG. How about bringing back Playoff Rondo? They also get a decently young and cheap 3-and-d wing who can put the ball on the floor. Why the Rockets do this: The Rockets target Boston because of all their trade exceptions. The Rockets don’t need Rondo and if they resign Nwaba and Brown, plus adding Mann and the guys they draft, House might have to go. The Rockets have 3 1sts in this year’s draft and with this trade they get 3 in 2022 as well.

4th trade: Beverly to MIN for Culver, Layman, the best 2022 2nd out of PHI’s and DEN’s, and MIN 2023 2nd 31-35 protected Why the Wolves do this: The Wolves have a ton of offense, they need defense. We all know how good Beverly is defensively, plus he is shooting 40+ percent from deep this season. The Wolves give up Culver who barely plays 5 mins a night, Layman who barely scratches 10 and 2 2nds. Why do the Rockets do this: No need for Beverly, they can give more mins to Culver, get 2 2nds

5th trade: Layman to BOS for a 2nd(Ignoring the trade BOS receives HOU’s 2nd in 2023 protected 31-32, and the worst 2nd out of DAL and MIA, but because of this trade HOU gets their 2023 2nd and the worst 2nd out of MIA and DAL) Why do the Celtics do this: Give up a 2nd for a decent bench player Why do the Rockets do this: Get a 2nd