Any good NBA team needs defensive wings. The league has long been trending in this direction. A platoon of versatile defensive wings makes life easier for any team. With that said, you could have too many of those players.
After all, there’s only so much space in a team’s rotation. A player can’t contribute if they’re not getting on the floor. Defensive wings are multipliers – more is generally better. Still, that principle has a breaking point.
The Houston Rockets may soon reach it. Between Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, Jae’Sean Tate, and Reggie Bullock, they’ve got a deep cast of wings. Eventually, they’ll want to get Cam Whitmore on the floor -and giving Amen Thompson some time at the 3 would be convenient as well. Is it time to send Tate to the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets receive: G/F Furkan Korkmaz, C Mo Bamba, 2024 Second-Round Pick (NYK via PHI), 2027 Second-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers receive: F Jae’Sean Tate
Nobody needs to tell the Rockets about the value of defensive wings. They were one of the teams that ushered in this trend. The Rockets rostered one of the best collections of defensive wings during the James Harden era.
Trevor Ariza. P.J. Tucker. Luc Mbah a Toute. These guys could guard across positions, so the Rockets implemented a switch-heavy defense for years. Realistically, it was all designed to defeat the Golden State Warriors.
It didn’t work. Still, it was a noble effort. In the process of trying to beat the Warriors, the Rockets pointed the league in a direction. Now, any contending team rosters a surplus of defensive wings. Should the Rockets move one?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
On the Rockets’ end, this is simple. They don’t need Tate, and they need both Bamba and Korkmaz. If this trade is available to them, it’s a no-brainer.
Granted, Bamba hasn’t lived up to expectations as an NBA player. Sure. Still, the Rockets could use him strictly from a functional perspective. Jock Landale has had a difficult season. The Rockets could use a backup for Alperen Sengun who can defend the rim and space the floor.
Moreover, they could use an injection of shooting. Korkmaz provides it. His chemistry with Sengun as a fellow Turkish national could be useful as well. Should the Sixers give these guys up?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers’ logic is similar here as well. Tate is the best player in this trade. Since the Sixers are contending, that should be all that matters to them. Parting with a pair of second-round picks shouldn’t phase them.
Let’s talk about Tate’s game, He’s not the most reliable floor spacer. Otherwise, he doesn’t have a hole in his game. Tate provides stellar defense and some secondary playmaking. He’s also a hard-nosed player who can give the Sixers an edge.
The Sixers have been linked to bigger names. They may have more interest in hunting bigger game. With that said, Tate would be a useful addition to this roster and they’re getting him at a reasonable price. Who are they to turn down a defensive wing?
