Late Wednesday night, general manager Rafael Stone sent shock waves across the NBA by agreeing to a trade where the Houston Rockets will send Christian Wood to the division rival Dallas Mavericks. In return, Houston received a first-round draft pick (No. 26 overall in 2022), Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Sterling Brown, and Marquese Chriss.
It was a difficult situation for the Rockets, but it was also one that second-year general manager Rafael Stone navigated well. The team was able to recoup a first rounder in this year’s draft without absorbing any additional salary beyond the 2022-23 season. This means that Houston can still serve as a possible buyer in 2023 free agency if any star, or even high-caliber role player, shows interest in joining their young core.
