The Houston Rockets have been one of the NBA’s more impressive teams. No one thought they would be 17-9, which gives them the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but here they are.
However, they really feel like a team that’s missing a centerpiece, and that’s where someone like Joel Embiid would come in.
They have the supporting cast of a contender, just not the main piece. Embiid would be that guy for them.
FanSided outlined how a potential trade would work. It would most likely involve Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green. Of course, draft capital would have to be included. It would also take some more contracts to match, like Jeff Green’s and Steven Adams.
The problem with a trade with the Rockets
While the Rockets boast some intriguing young talent, Sengun and Green have poison-pill contracts. In other words, their extensions kick in next season.
Green will start the first year of a three-year, $105 million contract while Sengun will start the first year of a five-year, $185 million contract.
Other factors would be at play in a potential trade with the Rockets. Embiid just got hurt again shortly after admitting to a “depressing” injury history. The Rockets would have to ask themselves if he’s worth the injury risk.
Embiid has familiarity with Rockets coach Ime Udoka from Udoka’s time as an assistant with the Sixers. Udoka has helped the Rockets find their groove, and Embiid would vault them up a level on paper.
A trade like this would make sense if the Sixers decide they don’t want to have Embiid anymore. A deal could be reached here depending on what else the Rockets would offer.
Currently, the Sixers won’t think about this because they’ve got more pressing immediate problems. If they put Embiid on the market, the Rockets are a realistic trade partner.
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