We aren't too far off from the NBA trade deadline commencing and teams are starting to put themselves into place to possibly make a major deal. Sometimes a deal made at the deadline can propel a team to a title, much like the Toronto Raptors trade for center Marc Gasol in 2019.
But as we get closer to the deadline, some teams are expected to be more active than others. One team that could make a big addition is the Houston Rockets.
Houston has some trade chips that could help them make a run this season. In this new trade scenario, the Rockets add a former first-round pick to their rotation to bolster their chances out in the Western Conference.
After using the Spotrac trade machine, here is what a deal could look like between the Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers:
Rockets receive: Robert Williams III
Trail Blazers receive: Jae'Sean Tate, a 2025 first-round draft pick, and a 2026 second-round draft pick
Why Rockets do this
Houston is in the midst of a very successful season and they make this move to give themselves more of a chance out West. The Rockets need some additional size to compete with the other teams in the conference and Williams III can do just that.
His injury issues are a little bit of a problem, but when Williams III is healthy he is among the best energy players in the NBA. Williams III is a strong rebounder and could help the Rockets improve their bench unit.
It's not a given that the Rockets will be back to where they are so the addition of Williams III gives them a better chance to go on a run this season. The hope is that he would be healthy but if he isn't, he is at least under contract for another season.
Why Trail Blazers do this
Williams III has been one of the hottest names on the trade block this year and Portland nets some strong pieces for him. Due to his concerning injury history, the Trail Blazers aren't able to get multiple first-rounders for Williams III but they still get a nice return.
Portland can use the extra draft picks they receive here to help build out the roster down the line or flip them in another deal. The team also lands an up-and-coming piece in Tate.
Tate would receive much more playing time on the rebuilding Trail Blazers and could maybe live up to the potential he has in the NBA. Going from being undrafted, Tate has built a decent career for himself so far.
More NBA news:
76ers Predicted to Part With Paul George in Blockbuster Trade With Lakers
Wizards Could Part With Kyle Kuzma to Land $35M Star Forward
Magic Predicted to Land $33M Star Guard to Bolster Playoff Push
For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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About the writer
Matt Levine
Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek. His expertise is in covering the NBA but he also covers ...
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