NBA Trade Deadline 2020: One trade every team should make

Houston Rockets: Danuel House Jr., Nene Hilario and own unprotected 2021, 2023 second-rounders for the Washington Wizards’ Davis Bertans

Reason for Houston: The Rockets have some holes around one of the greatest offensive players in the history of basketball in James Harden. When Harden faces doubles and traps in the playoffs, his teammates haven’t proven able to adapt and beat a rotating defense, a la Draymond Green when Curry was taken out of plays during Golden State’s heyday. Back to Houston, House has had a great year, but he may not add enough in the playoffs to be the perfect fit in his rotation spot. Enter Davis Bertans. He’s one of the best shooters in the league, hitting over 40 percent from deep on over eight attempts per game, and with an underrated game off the bounce too. He would be absolute death to leave alone, and he would create tons more space in which Harden could play isolation. Teams may even think twice about doubling Harden at half-court with Bertans on the floor. This is a championship move for a team with championship ambitions. The Rockets already have plenty of their own picks going out the door; no harm in adding a few more second-rounders to continue to chase a championship.

Reason for Washington: The Wizards are, frankly, a bad team. They have Bradley Beal, who is unbelievable, and little else. They are not going to make the playoffs, and Bertans, with a small salary on a two-year deal, is too valuable a trade chip for the Wizards to keep. It’s possible Washington nets a first-rounder, but would that be more valuable than this package? House is a good young piece who can shoot and defend, and he’s cheap and on a three-year deal. Two seconds would give the Wizards some shots at more young talent, and House is already a good young NBA contributor. Bertans is good, but this could top all other offers and force Washington’s hand.