NBA Trade Deadline 2019: The 30-team mega-deal that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

By Ian Levy | Jan 21, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game at Wells Fargo Center on January 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thunder defeated the Sixers 117-115. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

11 of 30

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets

Sending out: Brandon Knight (CLE), 2020 first-round pick (ATL)

Bringing in: Dewayne Dedmon (ATL), Shaun Livingston (GSW)

The Rockets need help in the worst way. James Harden has been absolutely brilliant this season but Chris Paul’s injury (and early-season regression), Clint Capela’s extended absence and the defensive drop-off due to losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah A Moute this summer has foisted this responsibility on him. The Rockets have to be worried about wearing Harden out or the playoff matchup that he can’t single-handedly score his way through.

The Rockets mortgage another small piece of their future by giving up a draft pick here but the return makes it absolutely worthwhile. Dedmon isn’t the athletic lob threat Caplea is but he’s a capable rim protector and reliable outside shooter. While Capela is out his shooting will add a different look and give Harden another offensive weapon to work with. When Capela returns, Dedmon will be added depth. Livingston, as a non-3-point shooter, wouldn’t seem to make sense in Houston. But he adds some defensive versatility and he certainly has experience figuring out how to find space and be useful in an offense loaded with shooters.

Home/NBA