Despite already having one of the best teams in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets have a ton of young talent and future assets. Considering that they are ready to win now, they need to make some consolidation trades to ensure their young players don't lose their value. Not only do the Rockets not have enough playing time to give everyone, but they also don't have a way to pay them once their rookie contracts are over.
That is why the Rockets need to make at least one significant trade over the summer. They have a desperate need for more offensive firepower, and a deal with the Utah Jazz could help the Rockets hit multiple birds with one stone.
Lauri Markkanen is expected to be on the trade block for the Jazz as they continue their rebuild. The All-Star forward is the lethal shooter and versatile scorer Houston needs, and he could be acquired without giving up all the assets GM Rafael Stone was able to amass.
A trade where the Rockets send Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason, along with a first-round pick, for Markkanen has a chance to be a win-win move for both sides.
Whitmore is a talented young player with upside, but he is unlikely to reach his potential buried behind Houston's impressive wing depth. Eason will require a contract extension, and his long-term fit next to Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson is questionable due to his lack of shooting. Jalen Green is overpaid on his deal, and the Rockets have an obvious need to upgrade in his position.
Markkanen fits seamlessly next to Şengün and Thompson, thanks to his off-ball gravity. He can help space the floor for them while being able to score on his own when needed.
With this move, the Rockets maintain their flexibility as it doesn't take them out of the running for trading for another superstar. Markkanen may not be as attractive a name as some of the stars on the trade block, but he certainly needs to be near the top of the list of targets for the Rockets this offseason.