Trade targets: All 30 teams
Houston Rockets
Record: 27-28
9th in West
Status: Buyers
The Rockets have committed to turning around a season that began with high expectations yet started slowly, costing head coach Kevin McHale his job. As a result, their thinking is more short term than long term.
Nonetheless, contracts probably will be the driving factor in any possible Houston trade. Forwards Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas will be restricted free agents next summer, while center Dwight Howard can opt out of the final season of his contract in favor of unrestricted free agency. The Rockets might look to get value for Jones or Motiejunas before their favorable rookie contracts expire.
The other issue hanging over Houston is the hard cap to which the team is subject by virtue of using its full mid-level exception this summer to sign rookie Montrezl Harrell and re-sign restricted free agent K.J. McDaniels. The Rockets have only about $500,000 in wiggle room to add salary in trades.
Potential trade targets
Goran Dragic
A second playmaker to go with James Harden remains Houston GM Daryl Morey's white whale. The Rockets hoped Ty Lawson would fill that role, but the offseason trade for Lawson has backfired because he has been ineffective both playing with Harden and as a lead ballhandler.
Though playing Dragic with Harden would create some of the same issues Dragic currently faces next to Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat, his up-tempo style would be ideal for the team's second unit.
Markieff Morris
The Rockets have been linked to Morris since he first asked to be traded by the Phoenix Suns last summer. Because of his poor season and continued poor relationship with the Suns organization, Morris' value has plummeted, and Houston might be able to buy low on him as a young power forward locked into a reasonable long-term contract.
Ryan Anderson
Reuniting Anderson and Howard, who played well together with the Orlando Magic, would make sense if the Rockets see Anderson as more than just a rental. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer and stands to make a sizable raise on his current $8.5 million salary.
Kevin Love
In the unlikely event the Cavaliers entertain the notion of trading Love because he doesn't fit well with Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Houston would surely be near the top of the list of interested suitors. Love would be a strong fit with Harden and Howard and the Rockets could offer a number of athletic forwards in return.
Most trade value
1. James Harden
As disappointing as his effort has been during the 2015-16 season, Harden is 26 and a year removed from finishing as the runner-up for MVP. His contract, which pays him less than $35 million over the next two seasons, is one of the league's best.
2. Clint Capela
The development of the 21-year-old Capela, who has emerged as a starter next to Howard in his second NBA season, has been a bright spot for Houston. Capela will make less than $4 million over the next two seasons on his rookie contract.
3. Dwight Howard
Even if the Rockets want to move Howard, as I suggested earlier this season, it's tough to find the right fit because he can become a free agent this summer. A Howard suitor would have to be convinced he'll re-sign to give enough value for Houston to consider a trade. As a result, the Rockets probably will hang on to Howard.
4. Trevor Ariza
In the context of a rising cap, Ariza's contract looks eminently reasonable for a solid 3-and-D contributor who could fit in with nearly any team. He'll make barely more than $15 million over the next two seasons.
5. Terrence Jones
Jones has seen his starting job usurped by Capela, and a disappointing season hasn't helped his value heading into restricted free agency next summer. Still, Jones is just 24, a talented scorer and has shown the ability to stretch the floor at times, so there will be interest.
6. Patrick Beverley
Because he's not a strong playmaker, Beverley is a better fit for the Rockets than most teams. His injury history might also scare off strong offers despite a reasonable contract that pays him a little more than $16 million over the next three seasons.
7. Donatas Motiejunas
Any team trading for Motiejunas will want to take a close look at his medical results after back surgery ended his 2014-15 campaign and kept him out the first month of this season. Lingering back pain has sidelined Motiejunas since New Year's Day, ruining his contract year.
Most valuable draft pick
2018 first-rounder
Assuming Houston makes the playoffs, this year's first-round pick will go to Denver for Lawson. That would prevent the Rockets from trading a first-round pick until 2018 at the earliest. Since Houston should be competitive for the foreseeable future, there's little additional value in more distant picks.
Biggest wild card
Ty Lawson
Quietly, Lawson has been more effective off the bench in January, making better than 35 percent of his 3-point attempts and shooting better than 50 percent overall. If the Rockets can get that kind of production from Lawson, they might yet be competitive with the West powers. Sam Amick reported Monday that Houston is unlikely to trade Lawson, which makes sense because his 2016-17 salary is non-guaranteed. The Rockets probably can do better simply waiving Lawson and using the resulting cap space than they can trading for a long-term contract now.
Toughest contract to trade
Corey Brewer
Morey has steadfastly attempted to maintain flexibility and avoid bad contracts, which made the three-year, $23-plus million deal he gave the 29-year-old Brewer last summer an oddity. A key part of Houston's strong bench last season, Brewer hasn't been as energetic in 2015-16. Because he relies so heavily on his quickness and athleticism, Brewer might not age well as he hits his 30s.