NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets Eyeing Andre Drummond, Kelly Olynyk, Clint Capela, More

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 31, 2024

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The Houston Rockets are in a position to fight for a playoff spot, making them obvious candidates to be buyers at the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.

In regards to what they’re looking for, Kelly Iko, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Houston is “exploring the center market” with an eye on improving “rim protection,” mentioning four names in particular.

“The Rockets, league sources said, are also exploring the center market, looking to bolster their rim protection. According to those sources, Houston is keeping tabs on Utah’s Kelly Olynyk, Atlanta’s Clint Capela, Chicago’s Andre Drummond and Portland’s Robert Williams III (who has fans throughout the current coaching staff) among others.”

Houston already has a star-in-the-making in 21-year-old center Alperen Şengün, who is averaging 21.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. However, the team could use more depth down low behind Şengün as the team fights for the playoffs.

Currently, Houston is 22-24, good enough for 11th in the Western Conference and one half-game back of the Utah Jazz for the final play-in tournament spot.

The Rockets entered this season looking to compete after a 22-60 campaign the year before, adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks via free agency and hiring Ime Udoka as their next head coach. Houston has already matched its win total from last year with 36 games still remaining.

The team has been in a bit of a slump lately, though. After a 13-9 start, Houston has gone just 11-15 since. The Rockets have the talent to make the playoffs, but they could use some reinforcements.

Trading for frontcourt help is a good place to start.

Drummond has been fantastic in limited action this year for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.

Capela, who began his career in Houston, is averaging a double-double (11.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG) for an Atlanta Hawks team that’s endured a disappointing 20-27 campaign.

Olynyk, another former Rocket, is a more well-rounded center who shoots 42.5 percent from three. He also averages 8.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Utah Jazz.

Williams, a center for the Portland Trail Blazers, is out for the 2023-24 season after undergoing right knee surgery to address a patellar dislocation. However, he’d be a good fit in Houston next year given his defensive prowess. Williams averaged 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds for Portland before his season ended in November.

Ultimately, Houston is a team to watch as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.