Houston Rockets
Sending out: Nene (ATL), 2028 first-round pick (OKC)
Bringing in: Davis Bertans
The Houston Rockets aren’t trying to trick anyone. Their system is established there isn’t really any added value in trying to add wrinkles — it’s let Harden and Westbrook work with shooters and a lob threat to keep the defense honest. Juicing their championship odds isn’t going to come from trying to diversify. That means the trade deadline is about adding shooting, defense or both.
Bertans is all shooting — 43.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s this season and 47.5 percent when he has at least six feet of space from the closest defender. It’s not a low-volume fluke, he’s been one of the best shooters in the league for several seasons and he’s averaging nine attempts per game this season. He’s not a strong defender but he’s not a disaster and with his size and ability to play the 4, there’s room for him in the rotation.
In return, Houston is sending out a first-round pick so far as the future that they can imagine it doesn’t exist and the rights to Nene, who hasn’t played a single minute this season.