The Rockets' 4-for-1 deal was reached, and Aquaman Adams joined the Houston team, revealing the next plan, and the three became bargaining chips
On February 2, Beijing time, the Rockets and the Grizzlies finalized a 4-for-1 trade plan, according to the Woj report, the Rockets sent Oladipo away and got the "Sea King" Adams from the Grizzlies to strengthen the team's interior shortcomings.
The trading scheme is as follows
Rockets get: Adams;
Grizzlies get: Oladipo + 3 second-round picks.
According to a follow-up report from Woj, the three second-round picks are two in 2024 and one in 2025, respectively, and TA Rockets reporter Kelly Iko pointed out that none of the three second-round picks are protected.
There is no doubt that this is a win-win trade option given the current situation of both teams.
Rockets: Strengthen the interior at a fraction of the cost
After officially entering the second phase of the rebuild last offseason, the Rockets successively recruited and brought in many veterans such as VanVleet and Dillon.
Since the start of the season, Landale's performance has been terrible, and there are obvious problems with the Rockets' interior rotation, after all, Shin Jing is a player who focuses on offense and organization, and is actually more suitable to play the role of No. 4.
According to a joint report by Shams and Kelly Iko of the Rockets, Udoka hopes to bring in an interior player who can start the game with Shin Kyung, trying to replicate the interior combination of Horford + Lowe of the Green Army in the past.
In terms of ability, Adams clearly fits the bill, and Adams has been one of the best rebounders and interior defenders in the league over the past few seasons.
As a result, he has the ability to play Shin Kyung's bench and briefly enter the starting lineup to solve the Rockets' rebounding and defensive problems.
According to a follow-up report from Woj, even if Adams is reimbursed for surgery this season, Rockets management and Udoka still believe that Adams' arrival can provide the toughness and leadership that the team needs.
He currently has two seasons left on his contract and is worth $12.6 million this season and $12.6 million next season.
It's worth mentioning that Adams has a strong relationship with the Rockets, and in the process of trading for Harden in 2012, the Rockets sent Martin, Lamb and a number of future draft picks, including the No. 12 pick in 2013.
The Thunder drafted Adams with 12 picks in 2013.
As for chips, Oladipo hasn't been in the Rockets' rotation at all this season, with two of his three second-round picks coming in 2024, which is a recognized draft year.
So by all accounts, the Rockets did a fantastic deal.
Because so far in his career, Adams has always been a trustworthy player with professionalism, and after the transaction was completed, his name also rushed to the hot search.
Domestic media "Barbecue Sister" quickly posted an article saying that she hoped that Rockets fans would treat Adams well, who had recently become seriously ill, had a cough and fever, and learned that he had been traded during a doctor's visit.
Grizzlies: Kill two birds with one stone
The Grizzlies' record has plummeted this season due to serious injury problems, and according to a follow-up report from Woj, the Grizzlies completed the trade for two purposes.
The first is to get Oladipo's expiring contract (9.45 million) to free up salary space.
The second is to accumulate as many draft picks as possible and try to build around Morant, Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the offseason.
After completing this deal, the Rockets' reinforcements will not stop.
According to Rockets reporter Salman Ali, the Rockets' next step will be to continue to make trades around Landale, Jeff Green or Tate to ensure salary flexibility for the team.
He also specifically pointed out that since July last year, the Rockets have sent 10 second-round picks, and only got two back in the Martin Jr. trade, which is eight second-rounders.