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The Houston Rockets might be ready to swing big again — this time for a shot-maker to help fill their void at point guard. In a recent trade proposal by The Wrightway Sports Network’s Steve Bradshaw, the Rockets would acquire New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole in exchange for Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela. The Pelicans would also send Houston their 2030 and 2032 second-round picks to balance out the deal. The trade presents a clear philosophical divide: Houston goes all-in on the present, while New Orleans leans into the future. Why It Makes Sense for Houston The Rockets’ window is open — but not for long. With Kevin Durant now 37, Houston can’t afford to wait on a 21-year-old Sheppard to develop into a consistent scoring threat. The team already sits in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race, boasting a versatile core led by Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. What they lack is a proven perimeter creator who can take pressure off Durant and generate offense in late-game situations. Poole, who averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds last season, fits that need perfectly. While his four-year, $128 million contract complicates things, his age (26) and offensive ceiling make him a valuable mid-prime addition. In this setup, Poole could operate as a primary ball-handler, allowing Thompson to shift back to his natural off-ball role and Durant to focus on shot-making instead of constant play creation. A starting five of Poole, Thompson, Durant, Smith Jr., and Sengun gives Houston balance, spacing, and firepower — especially if Poole rediscovers his rhythm from his Golden State days. The cost? Depth. Trading Adams and Capela strips the Rockets of reliable center options behind Sengun. They’d likely need to sign a veteran big man on the open market or experiment more with Smith Jr. in small-ball lineups. But with the team’s offensive load shifting toward perimeter creation, the front office may view that as a manageable tradeoff. Why It Works for New Orleans For the Pelicans, this deal aligns with their gradual rebuild. After years of roster churn and injury-plagued seasons, adding multiple young and controllable assets makes sense. Sheppard and Eason give New Orleans two developmental pieces who can contribute immediately while still having upside. Sheppard’s upside as having elite shooting potential and feel for the game complement a roster that already includes rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Eason, meanwhile, brings length and defensive versatility that fit well next to Zion Williamson and Herb Jones. The inclusion of Steven Adams and Clint Capela also stabilizes the frontcourt. Adams reunites with Williamson, having been one of his best frontcourt partners earlier in his career, while Capela — under contract for just $7 million annually — adds reliable rebounding and rim protection. Together, they bring the kind of physicality New Orleans has lacked in recent years. Poole’s departure opens the door for a new offensive direction, one centered around youth and interior balance. Final Take For Houston, this deal is about maximizing the Kevin Durant era — even if it comes at the cost of long-term flexibility. For New Orleans, it’s about shifting fully into development mode and stockpiling young talent. If the Rockets believe Jordan Poole can rediscover his Golden State form and deliver as a secondary scorer, this trade could be the bold midseason gamble that pushes them into contention. For the Pelicans, it’s a smart reset — a way to get younger, deeper, and more balanced in one move.
