The Houston Rocketsarguably have one of the most fascinating offseasonsof any team in the NBA this summer. A ton of draft capital and trade assets while possessing one of the best teams in the league should make for an exciting offseason as far as Rockets fans are concerned.
General manager Rafael Stone can either play it safe and keep their powder dry by building slowly or beaggressive on the trade marketto acquire another star. While all attention has been focused on the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, there is one under-the-radar star that the Rockets should pursue.
The Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen gives the Rockets an excellent buy-low opportunity. After the underwhelming season he had in Utah, the former All-Star may have a lower price tag, making him more gettable on the trade market.
Rockets Should Pursue Lauri Markkanen This Offseason
Even though Markkanen doesn't have the same reputation as some of the other stars on the trade block, he is an excellent fit in Houston. His ability to play small-ball center while also possessing the speed and athleticism to slot down to small forward adds to Houston's versatility.
Markkanen would immediately become the best shooter on the team, providing much-needed spacing for Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün. Plus, he is only 28 years old, entering his prime now, and isunder contract for four more seasons.
Considering the fact that the Jazz are still rebuilding and are years away from being relevant, they will have to part ways with Markkanen sooner rather than later.
A trade package centered around Jalen Green and draft compensation should be enough for Utah to move on from their best player. Fortunately for the Rockets, that draft compensation will be significantly more palatable after Markkanen took a step back across the board, including scoring volume and efficiency.
Buy-low opportunities for All-Star caliber players don't come around too often, so the Rockets should at least pursue them this offseason if Markkanen is legitimately available.
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