Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com is the latest reporter to state that the Heat have been linked to Rockets big man Christian Wood, confirming that a framework involving Duncan Robinson has been discussed. However, Bulpett says people involved in the situation have downplayed the idea that any substantive progress was made.
One general manager who spoke to Bulpett suggested that Houston would want far more than Robinson in a deal with the Heat and expressed a belief that the Rockets’ asking price for Wood and other players has been too high.
“Houston’s really been overvaluing Wood and Eric Gordon,” the GM said. “They think they’re going to get back a major piece, but they’re unrealistic with their expectations. I’ve looked around the league at what they’re putting out there — and I know they have, too. And no one is willing to give up a cornerstone player.”
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- Rockets rookie Jalen Green will take part in the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend later this month, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link). Green will be reportedly be going up against Juan Toscano-Anderson, Obi Toppin, and Cole Anthony.
- Kelly Iko of The Athletic conducted an extensive Q&A with Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, discussing Stone’s experience since taking over as the head of basketball operations in 2020, Houston’s rebuilding process, the team’s plan for the trade deadline, and much more. Stone said he always wants to be aggressive but doesn’t feel compelled to be active in the next eight days if the right deal doesn’t materialize. “We do have a lot of picks out in the future, so there’s not some huge need that we have either on our current roster — or in terms of future assets — that we need to be aggressively pursuing,” Stone said. “Leading into this year, we were hoping, planning, tracking to be in the area where we’re at now. So, we’re not feeling any particular need to do X deal or Y deal.”
- In a separate story for The Athletic, Iko and Danny Leroux chatted about the Rockets’ approach to the trade deadline and the John Wall situation.
- Rockets head coach Stephen Silas didn’t like what he saw earlier this season when Christian Wood and rookie Alperen Sengun were on the court at the same time, which is why he hasn’t used that frontcourt combination lately, writes Rahat Huq of The Houston Chronicle. “It’s a tough position for (Sengun) because he’s playing behind one of our better players in Christian, and I don’t feel comfortable at this point playing Christian and Al-P together,” Silas said last week. “The numbers, the eye test have shown that those two together hasn’t been that great.”
Try to Trade Wood and Gordon for lottery picks and bad contracts
Cavs, Bulls, Suns and Jazz picks have little value
Rockets don’t need them
Robinson and a future first for wood, who blinks?
Likely Houston..I think 2 future firsts or 1 first ajd 2 future seconds might get the needle moving closer towards a deal..
But if Houston is asking for way too much, then the Heat won’t jeopardize their depth solely for Wood..
C.Wood is 26years old,a 20/10 machine who can spread the floor and on one of the most friendly contrats around…if thats not valuable…
Gordon is the 2nd best 3pt shooter in the league this season, an above average defender and the prototype of a 6th man in a championship team…if thats not valuable…
I couldn’t agree more, only downfall is any team who would want both are looking to compete this year, and if that’s the case what team would give up a star for two solid players who should help a deep run.
For the Rockets he’s a 20 and 10 machine…He’d likely become a really good role player on contender, similar to that of Jerami Grant.
Kind of like Tobias Harris balling as the number one on a losing team, and then he comes to a competitor and he’s slightly above average..
Now, I’m not saying Wood isn’t the real deal, but I just think you have to take his numbers into context.
I agree, he’s a big fish small pond with the talent around him. But saying that, Harris last season was excellent. He was very unlucky not to make AS. If that’s comparable to wood fair play to him. He is a valuable piece. More valuable than he is given credit for.
3rd best 3pt scorer…. The Hield slander has gone on long enough
#FreeOptimusDime
Lowry and Robinson need to go now
The perception of it leads me to believe Heat probably offered Dunc and a pick to which Houston replied with “we want Herro”. This ending the negotiations. Wood is worth more than one but not as high as the other.
As I said last week, Houston are trying to get a young star or promising future star. Unfortunately for Houston with the exception on Simmons none are available.
It’s not unreasonable to think a package around wood would get a star. but the market just isn’t there right now.
Completely agree, maybe a 3 team deal could be worked out involving Wood, D.Fox, Turner etc. Lands them a Fox or Turner, but thats about the ABSOLUTE best they could hope for from a player standpoint..
Maybe Patrick Williams, D.Jones Jr., and Portlands 1st if Houston wants to trade Wood to Chicago, but somewhere around there will be the best value they’re going to get in return..imo
I agree right now Fox is the best option they may be able to get. No one is available RN. If Chicago come knocking they’ll ask for White and that will be a hard pass from the Bulls.