1 week Ago By Caleb Hightower
The Houston Rockets won a measly 22 games two seasons ago, but under Ime Udoka, the franchise finally has a reason to believe the future is bright in Houston. However, the Rockets have an opportunity to make a surprising trade for a Milwaukee Bucks superstar guard to put them on the map. “Acquiring Damian Lillard would be a franchise-altering move for the Houston Rockets, who have been searching for a superstar point guard since Chris Paul’s departure,” Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva wrote Saturday.
“Lillard, while no longer in his MVP prime, remains one of the league’s most potent offensive forces, averaging 26.0 points and 6.6 assists per game this season.
” “Most importantly, a core of Lillard, Jalen Green (averaging 19.8 points per game), Alperen Sengun (17.3 points per game, 11.
4 rebounds per game), and last year's No. 4 overall pick Amen Thompson (11.0 points per game, 6.
4 rebounds per game) would feature an ideal blend of experience, scoring, and defensive energy." "Lillard’s addition would take considerable pressure off Houston’s young players, allowing Green to play off the ball more effectively and Sengun to focus on his role as a secondary playmaker and inside presence.” “Moreover, Lillard’s veteran experience and leadership would add much-needed direction and poise to a Rockets team looking to make their first playoff appearance in years.
" "Although Lillard’s defense has been a liability, Ime Udoka’s system and the defensive prowess of players like Thompson and Tari Eason could provide some balance, allowing Houston to use Lillard primarily for his offense.” “If Houston is serious about accelerating its rebuild and capitalizing on the talent already in place, adding a veteran star of Lillard’s caliber could be the missing piece that makes them competitive right away.” Houston would need to be content with shipping Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr.
, Jock Landale, a 2027 first-round pick (via the Phoenix Suns), and a 2029 first-round pick (via the Rockets) to the Bucks for Lillard. Despite forming a frightening big three composed of Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s vision has yet to come to fruition from a team success standpoint. While the Weber State product has played his part in Milwaukee, pouring in 20+ points and dishing out at least five assists nightly, the Bucks haven’t looked like a team capable of making a meaningful postseason run.
Lillard may not be at the top of his game at age 34, but his talents would be valued on a surging 9-4 Rockets squad. Adding an established point guard with wicked space-creating ability and 65 games of playoff experience would transform Houston into a near-complete basketball club. Without Lillard, Houston would still be a well-respected Western Conference contender.
Still, acquiring an asset of Lillard’s caliber would drastically change the perception of the franchise. More NBA: Hornets predicted to complete blockbuster trade for $215.2 million Bulls guard.
