The Houston Rockets had an obvious issue pop up throughout their playoff run, falling short against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs due to a lack of a true offensive playmaker. There's a foundation set for success, though improvements are obviously necessary to take the leap toward being a legitimate contender.
Jalen Green theoretically would fill that playmaking role, though his development and decision-making seemingly stalled in a series during which he shot 37.2% from the field and averaged a paltry 13.3 points per game. Fortunately, there's a projected trade that could solve Houston's problems.
This wouldn't necessarily make Rockets fans thrilled, but moving on from 2022 No. 3 pick Jabari Smith for Los Angeles Lakers rising star guard Austin Reaves would fix a lot of issues for both squads.
Rockets Trade Jabari Smith Jr. to Lakers for Austin Reaves in Projected Trade
This projected trade would see the Rockets say goodbye to Smith for Reaves in a straight-up deal. While Smith has tremendous value defensively, he's failed to develop on the offensive end and started just 39 games for the team this year. Alperen Şengün's breakout has rendered Smith's skill set redundant with the current roster, and Reaves would solve a lot of problems.
Houston's offense all too frequently broke down against a ferocious Warriors defense, with few options to create a shot when they needed to. Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game while shooting over 37% from three-point range, and he's the exact kind of player who could've helped topple Golden State in Game 7.
A lot of this depends on how the front office views Green's development. Inefficient shot-chuckers are growing extinct in the NBA, yet Green's athleticism could convince others that he can be a difference-maker. If Reed Sheppard develops as a fellow third-overall selection, he might solve the problem that Reaves would by himself. However, the Rockets are too good at this point to avoid taking risks in order to break through to the Finals.
Smith would be an excellent fit for a Lakers team devoid of frontcourt talent. It's a unique trade proposal, yet one that Houston needs to consider if they're serious about repeating as a top-two seed in the conference.
Making a farther push in the playoffs requires better offensive play, that of which neither Smith nor Green seem capable of providing. Reaves has the game to push the Rockets over the top and that's why this trade must be considered.