The data generated by rebuilding teams can be misleading, and many NBA executives are not easily fooled. Initially, the Houston Rockets wanted to exchange Christian Wood for two first-round draft picks, but no team was willing to pay that price. In the end, the Rockets had to accept the Mavericks' offer, receiving a late first-round pick and several expired contracts of little value.
Now, the Nets have allowed Cameron Johnson to put up impressive numbers and are looking to sell him at a good price.
Forbes NBA reporter Evan Sidery revealed that the Nets are not in a hurry to trade Cameron Johnson, as they believe there will be teams willing to offer two first-round picks. New York media reported that if they could obtain a first-round pick plus a promising rookie, the Nets would consider trading away Cameron Johnson.
Cameron Johnson is averaging 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game this season, shooting 49.9% from the field and making an average of 3.2 three-pointers per game with a 42.8% three-point shooting percentage. The Houston Rockets need excellent shooters, and Johnson is considered their trade target. On the other hand, Shepard's performance in the G League, scoring 49 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in a single game, has caught the attention of the Nets.
The Nets and Rockets have a good relationship, having made multiple trades in the past. However, the Nets' attempt to make a 1-for-3 trade was rejected by the Rockets.
NBA journalist Brett Siegel disclosed that the Nets hoped to acquire Shepard, but the Rockets directly refused. The Rockets are not interested in trading their young players unless they can get an All-Star level player in return.
Shepard, a first-round pick, and a salary-matching addition (such as Landale) were the Nets' ideal plan, but the Rockets showed no interest.
American media compared Schroder's statistics between the two teams, raising the question of whether Cameron Johnson could maintain such high efficiency if he joined Houston.
There are also concerns about whether Cameron Johnson's defense can meet the requirements of Udoka, as his defensive efficiency ranks only 241st in the league this season. Some Rockets fans have bluntly stated: Why do we need Johnson when Whitmore is just as good?
After the Rockets defeated the Nuggets, American media shared data showing that Whitmore averaged 13.6 points and 3.7 rebounds this month, shooting 47.4% from the field and 44.7% from three-point range, which is not much different from Johnson's offensive efficiency. Whitmore can also play defense; he just lacks initiative and awareness. After returning to the rotation, Whitmore played hard and currently ranks 53rd in the league in defensive efficiency.
Choosing between a 20-year-old on a rookie contract and a 28-year-old earning over $20 million is indeed not a difficult decision.
Although some American media outlets have suggested that the Rockets trade away Whitmore, Stone is unwilling to do so. Whitmore's talent is evident, and his scoring ability is strong, with an explosive playing style that attracts fans.
Stone, the general manager of the Rockets, is reluctant to part with any of the seven young players he selected, as he wants to see them fulfill their potential in Houston.
After last season, Stone expressed: We like our current situation. Even if we do nothing in the summer, we will still be a better team next season. We hope to improve internally and grow together with our young players.
Stone's words were not empty boasts, as the Rockets currently rank second in the West with a record of 27 wins and 13 losses, far exceeding the expectations of many experts.
In his latest interview, Stone stated: Our goal is to keep the team united and allow the young players to continue growing.