PHOENIX — The Houston Rockets made headlines earlier this offseason when they acquired the rights to a handful of future draft picks from the Phoenix Suns.
Rumors and speculation began to run rampant, with many NBA insiders suggesting that the Rockets were considering bringing in one of Phoenix’s superstars in the future. Local insiders have denied such a potential move – at least this season – and so far, nothing has come to fruition.
These rumors have been quiet for months, although in a recent article for The AthleticFormer NBA executive John Hollinger says Houston is in a good position to capitalize on Phoenix’s draft capital:
“What makes this situation so interesting for Houston is that the Suns, despite their own underrated trade this summer (more on that below), are rapidly heading toward Armageddon. Maybe not this year, maybe not even next year…but it’s right around the corner. Owning the Suns’ late-decade draft capital is a steal,” Hollinger wrote.
“As the Suns’ veteran players age, their lack of draft picks and apron hampers the talent pipeline, and the expense of a declining roster weighs on them, look here…the Rockets are sitting there as a potential savior.
“Dangling those two picks and a few other gifts to get Devin Booker and get the Suns going again in two or three years may still be an underdog bet, and a lot of water will flow under the bridge between now and then.
“However, this is a serious strategic move. There is no downside to it since the Rockets can still use the picks, and they have also improved their position relative to them. So Houston may well be the real winner of the Bridges trade.”
With the Suns in “win now” mode, the future could certainly dictate how Phoenix handles its offseason.
The Suns will likely have those picks hanging in the balance thanks to Houston – and while we don’t see anything developing immediately, this story is certainly something to watch in the years to come and Phoenix’s championship window closes.
