Rockets Trade Idea Lands Them NBA Champion Point Guard

The Houston Rockets could be one move away. As of Wednesday, they are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 17–10. The Rockets have struggled of late, going 4–6 in their last ten games, but at one point, they looked like a top-3 team in the league. Could the Rockets be one trade away from returning to their status as a top contender in the league? Many believe it wouldn't take much for the Rockets to take their team to the next level.

Could the Rockets be one trade away from returning to their status as a top contender in the league? Many believe it wouldn't take much for the Rockets to take their team to the next level. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed “1 Trade Every NBA Team Would Make If the Deadline Was Today,” and his Rockets trade idea would bring in a strong winning piece. 

"The trade: Tari Eason, Jae'Sean Tate, and a 2029 first-round pick (via DAL or PHO) to the Boston Celtics for Payton Pritchard

While the Rockets have the resources needed to take a bigger swing than this, their two-way domination to date (fourth in offense, second in defense) may have sapped any motivation for that level of move…

Pritchard, a 27-year-old with a ton of high-stakes experience on his resume (and a championship ring in his collection), could supply that insurance along with a useful skill set that works on or off the ball. He's a 39.3 percent three-point shooter for his career, and he's currently quarterbacking to the tune of 5.0 assists against just 1.2 turnovers.”

Pritchard would be the perfect trade target for the Rockets. They wouldn’t have to give up too much to get him, and he would instantly be their top guard. Pritchard has also played for Ime Udoka and has the defensive and winning mentality that the Rockets and Udoka are building in Houston. If the Rockets can get Pritchard for this price, they would certainly be a lot more dangerous come playoff time.