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Boston Celtics: 3 trade targets on the Houston Rockets

By Andrew DiIorio

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 26: Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on January 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 26: Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets in action during a game against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on January 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics should keep their eyes on the Houston Rockets’ downward spiral. Losing their last 12 games, the James Harden-less Rockets should be one of the biggest sellers at the trade deadline.

Fresh off of a 101-90 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston clearly has a problem. After trading superstar James Harden for Victor Oladipo and major draft capital, it doesn’t make any sense for them to make a playoff push. Sitting 14th in the Western Conference, only above the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets should begin their rebuild as quickly as possible.

The process has already started, with the team releasing DeMarcus Cousins just last week, citing an upcoming youth movement. With Christian Wood as their main building block for the foreseeable future, GM Rafael Stone will try to get as many assets as he can for his veteran players.

The Boston Celtics have opportunities to make trades with the Houston Rockets.

For the Celtics, trade rumors have gone rampant in recent weeks. They sit at 17-17 on the season, good enough for 6th place in the Eastern Conference. That position is bound to fluctuate, as the 10th seed is only 1.5 games back from Boston’s spot.

GM Danny Ainge has referenced wanting to acquire shooters with size to his bench, and this Houston team has plenty of that. With the Cs amount of draft picks and young players, they should be able to get done any deal they want with the rebuilding Rockets.

1)  Trade Target #1: Victor Oladipo

Over the weekend, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Houston Rockets and Victor Oladipo could not come to terms on a two-year, $45.2 million extension. This is the most the team can offer at this current point, meaning he will likely find himself in another jersey next year. However, for the Rockets, who both are not winning and do not want to win right now, what sense does it make to hold onto him?

They should deal him to the highest bidder, getting something in return for the former All-Star. He has long been rumored to sign to the likes of Miami and New York in the offseason, but why not Boston via trade? He would fit perfectly into the massive traded-player exception the Celtics hold, and they have respectable assets to add on top of that.

A package of either Romeo Langford or Aaron Nesmith, along with draft capital may get the deal done. On the year, Oladipo is averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 31.4 minutes of action. His efficiency has dropped across the board, sitting at only 39% from the field and 29.5% from distance through 22 games, but has shown his scoring prowess in years past. The Celtics would be betting he can contribute positively in a winning environment, rather than getting up all the shots he wants in the losing Houston culture.

The acquisition of Oladipo would likely be a rental, as it’s no secret he wants a huge contract in a big market in the offseason. It’s unclear what team will give him that type of deal after coming off a major injury in the 2018-19 season, but by declining a two-year extension and more than $20 million a year, he’s betting on himself. A stint in Boston could be the chance he needs to prove his value on the market once again.