Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Targeting Rob Williams? + How Suns & Jazz Trade Impacts Houston
Houston Rockets Eyeing Rob Williams: A Strategic Move?
The Houston Rockets are reportedly setting their sights on acquiring Portland Trail Blazers big man Rob Williams, a former player under Ime Udoka during his time with the Boston Celtics. This potential trade could significantly enhance the Rockets defensive capabilities and add depth to their roster.
Williams, currently earning $12.4 million this season with another year at $13.3 million, presents a valuable opportunity for the Rockets. His defensive versatility and ability to switch on the perimeter make him an attractive target, especially given the Rockets focus on bolstering their defense under Udoka’s guidance.
Potential Trade Framework
The trade discussions reportedly involve Jock Landale’s non-guaranteed contract and possibly Jae’Sean Tate’s expiring deal. While Tate has been a reliable presence during injuries, he is not a regular part of the rotation, making him a viable trade asset. However, it’s crucial for the Rockets to avoid including any first-round picks in the deal. Trading for a backup big, even one as talented as Williams, should not come at the cost of such valuable assets. Second-round picks or cash considerations could be more appropriate to sweeten the deal.
Adding Williams to the roster would create a formidable trio at the center position, each offering a unique style of play. This versatility could be incredibly beneficial, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jabari Smith Jr.'s return.
Steven Adams Impact
The potential acquisition of Williams also raises questions about Steven Adams’s future with the team. Adams, currently on an expiring contract, has been playing solid basketball in his backup role. However, the Rockets need to consider his career aspirations and their long-term plans.
If the team can retain Adams on a team-friendly deal, it would be ideal to have both him and Williams backing up Alperen Sengun. However, if Adams is seeking a starting role or more guaranteed minutes elsewhere, exploring trade options for him before the deadline might be worth considering.
Pursuing Williams could provide the Rockets with more options and flexibility in their frontcourt rotation, possibly even being able to play some minutes alongside Sengun in a double-big lineup like he once did with Al Horford in Boston. His defensive prowess and familiarity with Udoka’s system make him an attractive target, potentially elevating the team’s performance on both ends of the court.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the potential Rob Williams trade, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Jalen Green’s recent Player of the Week award
- Analysis of the Suns-Jazz pick swap trade and its impact on the Rockets
A midseason report for seasons to come: part three
Jan 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. | Rick Osentoski/Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
I’m far from being an insider (mostly I like sleep too much, and those guys never do), but there’s information you glean just from being proximal to the game. There are trends in questions and answers from coaches and players, plus recurring conversations with fellow media, team staff, scouts and agents. When alongside the pulse of NBA basketball, you pick up its reverberations.
One big, undeniable beat I’ve picked up on this season is the growing awareness that vey soon we’re going to start losing perennial stars. I say “we” and not only the league because the realization really does feel collective. Case in point, when the topic of the Warriors dynasty drawing to a slow, potentially quiet close comes up, it’s never solely in relation to the team.
The decline of Golden State is always held alongside the state of the league as a whole, either what it means for competition or in broader strokes, how the mechanics of the game itself will change without a dominant Steph Curry. And that detail is never explicitly mentioned. Even the most primetime of pundits have a reticence to predict when we’ll see the last of Curry, as if giving it consideration is a kind of jinx.
The counter to that is LeBron James, who cannot be discussed enough in relation to his retirement, but that endless guessing feels safe because James has proved prediction wrong so many times in what were meant to be his quieting seasons.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Houston Rockets face the Cleveland Cavaliers in an upcoming game. Key matchups include Jalen Green vs. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Catch the game on TV or streaming platforms. Full preview here. (The Dream Shake)
Injury The Houston Rockets’ injury report for their game against the Cavaliers includes Jabari Smith Jr., while Cleveland lists Evan Mobley. Both players’ statuses could impact game dynamics. Details on injuries. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Get ready for the Cavaliers vs. Rockets matchup with insights on how to watch the game. Key players and strategies will be in focus. Game preview. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Cavaliers host the Rockets tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Biz Jalen Green becomes the face of his longtime favorite brand, Stone Island. (High Snobriety)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Five NBA Players to Buy Low in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) stands on the court after meeting with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) before the start of the game at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson/Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to reassess our fantasy basketball strategies. Today, I’m sharing insights on five players who are prime candidates for “buy low” opportunities in your leagues.
Paolo Banchero tops our list. The Orlando Magic forward is currently the 79th ranked player, well below his potential. His shooting percentages are down, and he’s only averaging 21 points per game since returning from injury. However, I believe Banchero is a top 40 player in points leagues and has room for significant improvement. Don’t be fooled by his current struggles – this is an excellent time to acquire him at a discount.
Next up is Evan Mobley. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man is dealing with a calf strain, which has impacted his recent performance. His defensive stats and usage are down, but this presents a perfect buy-low scenario. Mobley is a third-round talent you might be able to snag for a fourth-round price. While there’s some injury risk, the potential reward outweighs it.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Amen Thompson GAME-WINNER & Dillon Brooks TEN THREES Gives Houston Rockets The Win Vs Boston Celtics Can the Rockets make a deep playoff run after their stunning victory over the Boston Celtics? With Amen Thompson’s career-high performance and game-winning shot, the Rockets are turning heads in the NBA.
Amen Thompson MONSTER Triple-Double & Alperen Sengun DOMINATES Inside As Rockets Beat Cavs AGAIN Is the Rockets second win this week against the Cavs enough to gain the respect they deserve? With standout performances from Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets are making waves in the league.
Alperen Sengun Hits CLUTCH Shots & Darius Garland CHOKES As Houston Rockets Win Ugly Vs Cavaliers How the Rockets survived an utter choke-fest in a thrilling victory over the Cavs with key missed free throws from Darius Garland, Fred VanVleet’s clutch performance, and Alperen Sengun’s decisive free throws, showcasing resilience and skill in a nail-biting finish.
