The Houston Rockets haven't made any major moves this offseason when it comes to players, but the team has some obvious offensive issues that could be solved with a simple trade.
Houston shot just 35.2% from three-point range last season (23rd) and 56.5% true shooting (24th), which was a big contributing factor to their offensive rating of 113.7 (20th), so they clearly need shooters.
The Rockets did a good job in the draft addressing a need with two-way shooter Reed Shepard out of Kentucky, but there's no guarantee he'll be successful and they could always acquire another wing/forward who can stretch the floor. Here are three teams that could be trade targets for Houston as the 2024-25 season approaches:
Kispert has been a consistent shooter with the Wizards, improving his scoring rate each year: His 3-point shooting percentage went from 35.0% in his rookie season to 42.4% in his second season, and while it dropped 3.9% last season, Kispert also showed improvement by taking more chances off the dribble.
Houston could use a 6-foot-6 wing who could stretch the floor for the Rockets as either a guard or a forward. Kispert is just 25, so he barely fits in with the Rockets' young core.
Though Kennard has struggled with durability, he has long been one of the most underrated elite shooters in the entire NBA, never shooting below 39 percent from three-point range in his eight-year career and shooting 45.0 percent in his most recent season.
The Grizzlies are in an interesting situation this season. They missed the playoffs last year, mostly due to injuries, and if fully healthy, they'll be in the running to make a playoff berth. However, trading Kennard could open up opportunities for GG Jackson II, Vince Williams and Jake LaRavia.
Johnson is likely to be moved on from Brooklyn in the coming months or weeks as he does not fit into the Nets' rebuilding plans after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. Given that Johnson is on the market, Houston could be in a position to acquire him at a high price.
Johnson is a constant threat from the three-point range while also providing above-average defense on the other end. He is the epitome of a veteran role player, spotting up when needed and being a solid scorer on the other end. He shot 39.1% from three-point range last season with Brooklyn and is still just 28 years old. The Rockets could use him off the bench, given his experience playing in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns.
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