The Houston Rockets' hot start to the regular season should have the front office considering a win-now move.
The Rockets are home to plenty of fringe All-Stars and high-quality role players but lack a true No. 1 option with the ability to lead a championship team. There are a plethora of stars rumored to be available come February's trade deadline, including Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) and Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks).
Williamson doesn't possess the NBA experience or consistent health to lead an organization at this point, but Lillard, on the other hand, could vault Houston among championship favorites in the Western Conference. The Bucks' $112 million All-Star guard was recently named the Rockets' top trade target by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz.
"Swapping Fred VanVleet and some incentives for Lillard could be a win-win, as the eight-time All-Star would help ignite an offense that ranks just 11th overall despite Houston's 11-5 start," Swartz wrote.
This potential trade would've made sense a few weeks ago when the Bucks were staring down one of the league's worst records. Now, the team is battling their way back to .500 with four consecutive victories.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard are firing on all cylinders since the first day, but now the surrounding pieces are starting to figure it out. This doesn't even mention that star forward Khris Middleton is nearing his season debut.
The only serious way the former Portland Trail Blazer ends up in Houston before season's end is with a trade request from himself or Antetokounmpo. If the latter asks out of Milwaukee, then it would make little sense for the 34-year-old to remain with the Bucks as they likely kick off a rebuild.
Lillard remained loyal to the Blazers for many years, but it now appears his top priority is hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy before retiring.
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