Every NBA rebuild looks a little bit different. The end goal is the same: to build a team that can compete for the NBA title. With that said, there are several paths to that destination.
Some teams prefer to rebuild more organically. They’re looking to draft a core and wait until that core looks ready to win before they add veterans. Other teams look to force the issue.
For example, look at the Houston Rockets. This team infused its roster with veteran talent this summer. They’ve been a much better team as a result. Could they still acquire a young player like AJ Griffin of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – BKN via ATL)
Houston Rockets receive: G Patty Mills, G/F AJ Griffin
Some will say that the most important goal for a rebuilding team to accomplish is to identify their franchise player. That may be true – but it isn’t enough. After finding a franchise player, a team still has to put the right pieces around their guy.
Once a team has that guy, is it time to stop rebuilding? It’s a matter of debate. Once the Hawks identified Trae Young as their franchise player, they started making win-now moves. Arguably, they limited their ceiling in the process.
Do the Rockets have their franchise player? We’re not sure. Alperen Sengun may be that special. On the other hand, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson all have untapped potential. This team is still solidifying its identity. Does Griffin help them sort that out?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets spent their summer filling roster holes. They did a lot to make their team better. The Rockets needed a floor general like Fred VanVleet, and they needed defensive players like Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green.
They also needed shooting. That’s where the Rockets fell short. This team’s floor spacing is problematic. Griffin could help. In his 2022-23 rookie campaign, he looked like a knockdown shooter.
Why does his age matter? The Rockets aren’t bringing Griffin in to command the offense. In a minimalist (but vital) role, Griffin should thrive. The Rockets can figure out if he’s part of their core later. Should the Hawks decide that he’s not part of theirs?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Parsing out Griffin’s trade value is a bit tricky. On the one hand, this is a sophomore who isn’t far removed from lottery consideration. On the other hand, Griffin has largely fallen out of Atlanta’s rotation in 2023-24.
The Hawks won’t receive an unprotected first for him. At the same time, selling on Griffin for a handful of seconds doesn’t feel realistic either. In the end, we tried to split the difference. A lottery protected first ought to satisfy Atlanta.
They should also be happy to take on Oladpio’s expiring. Granted, they’re sending an expiring deal out in Mills, but at least there’s no financial burden for Atlanta here. With that cap space, they could look to add some veteran talent.
