The Houston Rockets want a surefire superstar. You probably already know that.

But not everyone fits that profile. Think of the players who were ejected.

Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges, Paul George (before he signed with the Sixers) and Devin Booker.

For the most part, these players are all formidable defenders. And some of them are excellent defenders.

Which shouldn’t come as a surprise, given what we know about Rockets coach Ime Udoka.

They are also all wingers.

This is why the latest business proposal from USA Today’s Wright Way network is illogical, because it Rockets trade to Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.

The full transaction is below:

Rockets Land: Trae Young
The Hawks arrive: Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Dillon Brooks

The author’s reasoning is as follows:

“One of the most compelling reasons the Rockets are pursuing Trae Young is the potential dynamic duo he could form with their talented young center, Alperen Şengün.

Trae Young is one of the most gifted point guards in the league, with an uncanny ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His vision, combined with his long shooting range, would open up the floor for Şengün, allowing the big Turk to showcase his exceptional passing and low-post skills. Young’s ability to break down defenses and draw attention would also make it easier for Şengün to operate in the paint and find open shooters on the perimeter.

Alperen Şengün is often compared to Nikola Jokić for his versatile skills, including his ability to pass from the center position. With Young leading the offense, Şengün would have the opportunity to thrive in a high-tempo, pick-and-roll-heavy system. The combination of Young’s perimeter threat and Şengün’s inside-outside game could create one of the most formidable duos in the league, potentially mirroring Murray and Jokić’s success in Denver.

He continued.

“With a young core already in place, adding a proven star like Young could accelerate their timeline and make them a playoff contender in the Western Conference. Houston has been patient in its rebuild through the draft, but with the addition of Young, the Rockets would be ready to make a serious playoff push. Acquiring a player of Trae Young’s caliber could elevate Houston into the upper echelon of the league, giving them a legitimate chance to contend for the championship in the years to come.”

Unlike many of their previous proposals, the deal actually works financially. However, Young doesn’t quite fit the profile of what the Rockets would have wanted: a winger with two-way potential.

They were also very pleased with what they got from Fred VanVleet, who is a much better defender than Young, although Young is the superior player.

It’s also worth noting that the Rockets may already have a Trae Young clone in Reed Sheppard. At least according to Young.

Crazier things have happened before, but this one probably won’t happen again.

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