NBA Free Agency 2017: One trade every team should make

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half against the Boston Celtics in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) looks on during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

Ever since their miraculous comeback against the Clippers in 2015 (led by Josh Smith and Corey Brewer), the Houston Rockets have been synonymous with the absence of playoff fire.

Houston stalled out this past postseason once they lost Nene to a groin injury. Just an FYI, if your playoff life rests on the ashen-dreadlock enrobed shoulders of an oft-injured center, finding a better version of him seems like a prudent choice.

The Rockets need strength. They need toughness. They need a hammer.

Rockets Get

C, Marcin Gortat

Wizards Get

SF, Trevor Ariza; PF, Montrezl Harrell

Nene is an injury-prone free agent and Marcin Gortat could take his place as the crafty veteran big man the Rockets always seem to have on call.

Trevor Ariza’s shooting started to slip last season. Daryl Morey, invariably the progressive, would rather move him now and gain something of value than let him walk after the year or pay him his next big contract. Ariza is entering his age-32 season and his effectiveness will decline precipitously with his athleticism.

Going back to Washington would help their roster balance and hand the Wizards a stop-gap insurance policy if they can’t re-sign Otto Porter. The deal would also open up over $3 million in salary and one fewer year of contract obligations.

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