Every team in the NBA would like to be in the running for the championship. With that said, the league is crowded – and hyper-competitive. Some teams will be on the outside of the title picture. As a result, they’ll have to set other goals.
Take the Houston Rockets. This team has no title odds in 2023-24: they are not going to win the NBA championship. The Rockets knew this entering the season. This organization’s goal was to improve on a string of horrid seasons. So far, they’ve accomplished that goal.
By contrast, the Boston Celtics are bonafide title contenders. They’re among the best teams in the NBA. With that said, the Celtics could look to upgrade their roster at the trade deadline. Could they acquire Jae’Sean Tate from the Rockets?
The Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets receive: C Luke Kornet, F Svi Mykhailuk, G/F Jordan Walsh
Boston Celtics receive: F Jae’Sean Tate
It wasn’t so long ago that the Rockets were serious title contenders. At that time, the NBA looked a lot different. There weren’t many teams who could claim serious title odds – and the Rockets were one of them.
In the end, they couldn’t get over the hump. The Rockets built some incredible teams around James Harden, but they constantly ran into a dynastic Golden State Warriors team. Outside of those two Western Conference foes and the Cleveland Cavaliers, nobody had a stake in the title for a long time.
Today? There’s league-wide parity. A much larger number of teams have a shot at the title. Still, the Rockets are not currently one of those teams. Should they send Tate to the Celtics?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Some will say that the Rockets are moving a good player for a poo-poo platter here. We disagree. None of the players that Houston is receiving here are world-beaters. Still, they should find some use for each of them.
This team badly needs shooting. Mykaliluk is having a rough streak in 2023-24, but he’s been a knockdown shooter at times in his career. Moreover, the Rockets also need a backup big man. Kornet will be a tremendous upgrade over Jock Landale as a rim protector and part-time floor spacer.
Yet, Walsh may highlight this package for the Rockets. Granted, this team has a lot of wing depth. Still, they should be happy to have the opportunity to take on a young 3-and-D wing with plenty of potential. Should the Celtics move on from their young wing?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Celtics will miss Kornett. As it stands, he’s part of their rotation. That’s fine. The Celtics could promote Neemias Queta to fill his place. Alternatively, they could look to the buyout market for a suitable replacement.
Either way, the Celtics have solid big-man depth. With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford on the roster, it’s not a position of need. On the other hand, they could use a defensive wing. The Celtics are a bit lacking in that department on the standards of a contender.
Tate fits the bill. He’s a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Tate can also provide some secondary playmaking. He’ll be an upgrade to this Celtics rotation. That should scare the rest of the NBA – after all, the Celtics are already in the title picture.
