The Rockets and the Clippers are planning to trade 5 for 1? What are Leonard and Shepard?

NBA playoffs continue, but the Rockets' playoffs have ended early. If time could go backwards, perhaps the Rockets wouldn't compete with the Lakers for second place in the West. When the Rockets face the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs and let the Lakers face the Warriors, it may have a completely opposite result. But the reality cannot be changed, failure is failure, and the Rockets management can only pray for a comeback next season. General Manager Rafael Stone has a very heavy workload this summer. VanVleet's contract has team options. Jabarry Smith and Tari Ethan hope to get an early renewal guarantee. Adams, Tate and Jeff Green are about to become complete free agents. Because Shin Kyung and Jaylen Green both received a contract renewal that was close to the maximum salary in October last year, the Rockets' salary space is not sufficient and cannot meet the needs of all players. General Manager Stone will inevitably have to make a choice.

Recently, the US media "Fadeaway World" suggested that the Rockets management will offer Leonard, the Clippers' star, during the offseason this summer. Even though the Rockets have strong forward strength, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Tari Ethan, and Jabbarry Smith Jr. all have the ability to start, they can only be regarded as role players and are still a certain gap from the real All-Star. If general manager Rafael Stone can successfully handle the small card, the Rockets will truly become a championship-level team. The media provided a 5-for-1 trading offer to the Rockets and Clippers. The specific trading plan is: the Rockets gave Dillon Brooks + Cameron Whitmore + Reed Shepard + Jock Landale + the 2025 Suns' first round pick (10th pick) to win Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers.

This is a deal worth trying by the Rockets management. Leonard and VanVleet worked together for a season during the Raptors and jointly helped the Raptors win the only NBA championship trophy in team history. They are both city heroes in Toronto, and their tacit understanding does not need to be re-trained. In addition, the Rockets have a bunch of young players with sufficient energy. The combination of Amen Thompson and Tari Ethan can share huge pressure for Xiao Ka, giving him enough rest time, avoiding recurrence of knee injuries, and fully preparing for the playoffs. The biggest problem the Rockets face in the playoffs is that no one can stand up and solve the problem at critical moments. The addition of small cards can effectively solve this problem.

Despite being troubled by injuries, Leonard still averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals this season, and maintained a 41.1% three-point shooting percentage. The Clippers management will not let him go easily, but if Xiao Ka takes the initiative to ask for a transaction, it would be a different matter. Five consecutive seasons have fallen on the road to the championship, with All-Star partner Paul George leaving Philadelphia, which are all the reasons that prompted Ka's departure. This deal is not sweet for the Clippers. Once Leonard decides to leave, it means the beginning of reconstruction work. Shepard and Whitmore can become replacements for Harden and Kat. These two players have extremely high talent. As long as they can get enough performance opportunities, the future will be bright.

All views refer to authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and recommend fans first.