The Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, solidifying their second-place ranking in the Western Conference. The dynamic duo of Jalen Green and Sengun combined for 59 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Tate emerged from the bench as a key player, helping the Rockets maintain their lead until the end of the game. The two teams are set to face each other again next Tuesday for their third matchup this season, with the Grizzlies eager to save face after two consecutive losses. However, with Tari Eason expected to recover from his injury and the Rockets playing at home, their chances of winning remain high. Additionally, aside from Smart's absence due to injury, the Grizzlies fielded their full-strength lineup but were still unable to secure a win against a depleted Rockets team, leaving General Manager Zach Kleiman looking to offload Smart, who has struggled to adapt since joining Memphis.
Recently, American media outlet "NBA Analysis Network" suggested that the Grizzlies should focus on strengthening their roster with star player Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards. The Wizards have been performing poorly, ranking last in the league, for which Kuzma bears significant responsibility. The media proposed a three-team trade involving the Rockets as the third party. If negotiations progress smoothly, defensive powerhouse Marcus Smart will be sent to Houston. The specific trade proposal is as follows:
- The Grizzlies send Marcus Smart + Vince Williams Jr. + a protected first-round pick in 2026 (protected 1-16) to acquire Kyle Kuzma.
- The Rockets send Cameron Whitmore + Jeff Green + Jock Landale + a second-round pick from the Timberwolves in 2027 to acquire Marcus Smart.
- The Wizards send Kyle Kuzma to receive Cameron Whitmore + Jeff Green + Jock Landale + Vince Williams Jr. + one future first-round pick + one future second-round pick.
For the Rockets, Smart, once the league's best defensive player, undoubtedly contributes significantly on defense. However, since joining the Grizzlies, he has spent more time recovering from injuries than playing games, a situation that head coach Taylor Jenkins has been unable to resolve, with Smart's attendance rate remaining below 50% this season. The Rockets boast a superior medical team capable of ensuring Smart's health, and although Houston may not match the appeal of major cities like New York or Los Angeles, it certainly surpasses Memphis. More importantly, Udoka is a defensive-minded head coach and was Smart's mentor during their time with the Celtics, sharing a deep relationship. Udoka knows how to unlock Smart's full potential.
The Grizzlies' biggest issue this season has been the lack of a starting-level small forward. Second-round rookie Wells seized the opportunity and made it into the starting lineup with his impressive performance, but his abilities are limited, often scoring by exploiting defensive lapses rather than creating consistent offensive opportunities. Kuzma, an offensive all-rounder, averages 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26.6 minutes per game, shooting at a 45% clip. As the Wizards' star player, he faces the opposition's best defenders and even double teams every game. However, this would not be the case with the Grizzlies, where Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all possess the ability to draw defensive attention.
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