NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 teams that could use Emmanuel Mudiay

The Rockets strategy before the season was to have one of James Harden or Chris Paul at point for 48 minutes, giving them an All-Star caliber player running the offense the entire game. The two guards have both struggled with injuries during the regular season, and Houston hasn’t been able to trust Briante Weber or Bobby Brown to play backup minutes for them when one of those two players is unavailable.

The Rockets would likely be able to acquire Mudiay for next to nothing, sending Tarik Black’s expiring contract over to Denver in exchange for Mudiay. This move would allow Denver to waive Black, and create a roster spot for Torrey Craig, who has played well in a defensive wing role off the bench but is on a two-way contract.

For the Rockets, they’ve already built a team that takes advantage of Mudiay’s strengths. He can study the position with Chris Paul, and learn from Mike D’Antoni on how to run a spread offense. With talented shooters up and down the roster, Mudiay’s ability to make cross-court passes in the pick and roll could help give Houston a playable option as a third-string guard.