3 Players Houston Rockets should trade for before the deadline

The Houston Rockets traded for Russell Westbrook in the offseason to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. This also made the Rockets one of the most talked-about teams in the NBA.

The Rockets are expected to contend for a title but have got off to an inconsistent start. They have a 17-9 record and are currently the fifth-ranked team in the Western Conference.

James Harden has gone on a scoring tear not seen in the NBA since the time of Wilt Chamberlain. He is averaging 39 points per game so far in the season and has singlehandedly been taking games away from the opposition. He scored 60 points in just 3 quarters against the Atlanta Hawks. While Westbrook has been good for the Rockets, he has not been consistent. He has been inefficient from the floor and needs to improve his shot-making abilities.

The Rockets need one good trade before the trade deadline to become serious contenders for the title. Here are the 3 players that they should trade for:

#3 Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder could be a great option at the forward position for the Rockets. He is very similar to PJ Tucker and will add depth to the Rockets roster. He is an energetic defender and a good 3-point shooter.

Crowder currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. He hasn't been a big part of the roster and only clocks 24 minutes per game. He is averaging 9.5 points per game. The Rockets won't need to add many pieces to get the deal done for Crowder. The Rockets are currently too offense-oriented and Crowder can provide balance on both ends of the floor.

#2 Kevin Love

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in rebuild mode and Love wants to part ways

Kevin Love is placed on the trading block by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are currently in the rebuilding phase and that does not match with Love's ambitions. The 2016 NBA Champion is looking for a move so that he can play for a championship contender.

Love would be a star addition for the Rockets. They would definitely need to include Capela in any deal for Love but the offensive prowess of a lineup that includes Harden, Westbrook, Gordon, and Love would be too tough to cope for any opposition.

Love is currently averaging 16.2 points per game on 37% shooting from the 3-point line. He is a genuine threat from outside and would be a great fit alongside Harden and Westbrook. Love has also made the All-Star teams on multiple occasions and comes with championship experience.

#1 Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala was an integral part of the Warriors dynasty and won three championships with them. He is one of the best defenders in the game and comes up with a winning mentality. The Warriors trusted Iguodala on numerous situations in the clutch and he delivered for the team.

He is currently on the Memphis Grizzlies roster but hasn't featured in a game for them. He is looking to move to a team where he can contend for a championship.

The Rockets will be a perfect fit for Iguodala. He can defend multiple positions and is also a decent threat from outside. Iguodala is also a great veteran presence and his presence will be great for the Rockets locker room. Iguodala has denied playing for the Grizzlies and is waiting for buy-out or trade. He wishes to play for a championship contender this season also after reaching five straight NBA finals with the Warriors.

Edited by Raunak J