Houston Rockets: 3 players the Rockets should consider trading during the 2019-20 season

The Houston Rockets will enter the 2019-20 season with the renewed confidence that they can finally end their wait to win a title. Despite being seemingly on the verge of a rebuild following another playoff defeat to the Golden State Warriors back in May, the Rockets bounced back by completing a stunning trade for Russell Westbrook.

The pairing of James Harden and Westbrook is among the best in the NBA, and the 2017 MVP will serve as a considerable upgrade over an aging Chris Paul. The apparent demise of Golden State is also a welcome boost, and the Rockets are in a strong position heading into the season.

Nevertheless, further roster changes are likely in the coming months as Daryl Morey attempts to put the finishing touches on a championship-caliber roster. To add the final pieces, the Rockets may be willing to offload one or two of their current stars, and here we will examine the three most likely candidates to make way.

#3 Gerald Green

Gerald Green struggled for consistency during the 18-19 season

After enduring a mixed career, Gerald Green joined his hometown team back in 2017 as he looked to prove his doubters wrong.

The 33-year-old made an instant impact in Mike D’Antoni’s system, averaging 12.1 points while shooting 37% from three-point range in his first season with the team, and Green's performances were reliable enough to convince Daryl Morey to bring him back for the 18-19 campaign.

However, Green failed to recapture the form he showed the year before, and he struggled for long stretches from three-point range.

The veteran returned on another one-year deal this summer, although D’Antoni will be eager to see an improvement from the former Celtics man. Houston shouldn't be in a rush to trade Green, although a deal should be explored ahead of the trade deadline if the Rockets are not performing as expected.

#2 Clint Capela

Clint Capela has been a key performer for the Rockets

After the Houston Rockets were eliminated from the postseason, Clint Capela was widely tipped as the man set to be used to facilitate trades. The 18-19 regular season was the best of his career, although the 25-year-old struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 9.7 points per game. Capela was particularly poor against the Golden State Warriors, and multiple sources suggested that Houston would cash in.

However, while the trade rumors have recently subsided, Russell Westbrook's presence is likely to be detrimental to Capela's development. The point guard was heavily criticized for minimizing Steven Adams' role in Oklahoma City, and Capela is expected to experience a similar fate this season.

With the Rockets roster continuing to age, trading Capela for two or three draft picks could help to extend Westbrook and Harden’s window to contend. Ultimately, it is a tough call, although Capela's value is likely to decrease from this point on.

#1 P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker could be a prime trade target for contending teams

P.J. Tucker joined the Houston Rockets back in 2017 after impressive spells with the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors. The veteran was bought in to help the Rockets match up with the Golden State Warriors, although Mike D’Antoni’s men have continued to come off second best.

On the court, Tucker has been solid and is coming off a season in which he played 82 times for the first time in his career. The Rockets man also averaged a career-high 34.2 minutes, along with 7.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

However, the veteran recently turned 34 and still has two years and $16 million remaining on his current deal. After seeing Al Horford generate so much interest earlier this summer, Houston could pick up a surprisingly big haul for Tucker, although the Rockets will need to ensure they acquire a replacement forward in any trade.