The Rockets are reportedly active in trade talks ... are there any fits for Celtics?

On the heels of being eliminated by the Kevin Durant-less Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey appears to be going back to the drawing board. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com reported on Wednesday that Houston has been aggressive in pursuing deals to improve his roster since their elimination and is willing to discuss anyone on the team short of James Harden.

This type of mentality comes as no surprise for Morey, who has been one of the most aggressive executives in the league in his quest to dethrone the Warriors. It remains to be seen just how potent a juggernaut the Warriors will be following this offseason (depending on where Kevin Durant lands), but there’s no question that the Rockets window could be closing to some degree as each year passes. With an All-Star in Harden turning 30 later this summer and Chris Paul already past his prime at age 34, this current group of Rockets may have already hit their ceiling. Morey may be looking to sell on some of his younger pieces and double down on more win-now talent.

The question that will be interesting for a Celtics team that’s almost certain to revamp a large chunk of their roster is whether there are any potential matches for a trade here that would make sense for both sides. Let’s take a look at what the Rockets are shopping around, look at some price tags and see whether there is a strong chance the two sides could be doing business this month.

Rockets under contract for next season

Chris Paul
Age: 34
Contract: Three years left, starting at $38 million per year
Overview: He’s the second best player on the Rockets roster but he’s also set to earn the fifth-highest salary in the NBA next year. Barring a trade of a big salary (Al Horford, Gordon Hayward) there is not a deal to be made here with Boston and those aren’t the kind of guys the Celtics would deal if they are bringing in a 34-year-old. If Paul is moved, I’d expect him to head to some team with serious cap space that missed out on top targets in free agency (if the Rockets find a better alternative).

Clint Capela
Age: 25
Contract: Four years left, starting at $15 million per year
Overview: This is arguably the best asset on Houston’s roster outside of Harden. Capela is a walking double-double in his prime but the problem is he’s a liability against the Warriors on the defensive end (when not facing a true center). Given that Houston is going to have to go through Golden State until further notice to get to the NBA Finals, it makes sense for them to try to cash him in for better matchup assets in a trade.

The Celtics could certainly use his rebounding and rim protection but the problem for them here is likely cost.

The Rockets are going to want something good to give him up and I don’t think you move any of your young prospects (Tatum, Brown, Smart) for him given the importance of those players for postseason matchups. There is plenty of talent at center in the NBA and landing a non-shooting five making over $15 million per year is not worth giving him a young versatile wing. Robert Williams also has a long way to reach Capela’s production but he contains the same kind of athleticism and rim protection that the C’s could easily try to develop themselves.

The only other potential fit here would be a scenario where Al Horford decides to go elsewhere for a better chance at contending and he helps both sides out by reworking his deal to allow for a sign-and-trade. Horford’s shooting would clearly make him a great fit for Houston and allow the C’s to potentially recoup some younger talent for losing him. Capela’s salary would also fit into a trade exception that Irving might create ($20.1 million) if he departed as part of a trade. However, the C’s probably wouldn’t offer Houston much more than picks in that scenario and that probably doesn’t get the job done unless it’s part of a three-team deal.

Eric Gordon
Age: 30
Contract: One year left at $14 million
Overview: A nice shooting weapon still in his prime on a reasonable deal. If the C’s go young this offseason, they will have no reason to bring him aboard. If they try to revamp the roster (if Irving stays) he could be a nice secondary scoring option but it’s hard to see the C’s being willing to pay the asking price for him. No young talent (Smart, Brown, Tatum) is worth giving up for a guy on an expiring deal heading into his 30s and there is no clear way to make the money match here otherwise.

P.J Tucker
Age: 34
Contract: Two years left, starting at $8.7 million per year
Overview: Tucker is still playing some of the best basketball of his life at age 34 on a mid-level deal but given his cheap deal, it’s hard to see the Rockets trying to move him if they want to stay in win-now mode. That’s the only type of team that will be looking to acquire a 34-year-old and while the C’s made a stab at the veteran forward a couple of years ago at the trade deadline without success, it’s hard to see them offering anything the Rockets would be looking for now.

Final Thoughts

From a team-building perspective, the only potential match here is Capela. The C’s would certainly have an interest in supporting pieces on the roster but they aren’t going to give up their young talent for guys in their 30s like Gordon or Tucker. Seeing that the Rockets want to win-now around Harden, nothing else on the C’s roster (i.e. Robert Williams) should interest them very much. If Irving or Horford decide to go elsewhere, keep an idea on Capela. Otherwise, it’s hard to find a match here that makes sense for both sides.