The New Orleans Pelicans could use assets to trade for James Harden

New Orleans Pelicans: Would Rockets want Lonzo Ball in a James Harden trade?

Why the Rockets would do it

If the Rockets feel like keeping both James Harden and Russell Westbrook is untenable (NOTE: Westbrook has since been traded to the Wizards), then one or both of them have to go and Harden will get a much bigger return.

The question is whether the Rockets would be interested in Lonzo Ball as the centerpiece player in the package. He does fit on the Rockets whether they trade Westbrook or not and would give them a popular and ascending player to sell to their fans.

If Houston wants to rebuild, this is the way to do it, as they would have enough picks to control the draft for years to come or to make a move for a new superstar of their own.

Texas will always have appeal to free agents, as there is no state tax, so the Rockets could rebuild quickly around their picks, cap space and free agents.

But do they want to? That is the big question.

Most reports think the Rockets want back another superstar for Harden but I have news for them, that’s not happening unless that player’s name is Kyrie Irving, who is not a guy I’d want to build around.

Houston is in a tough spot but they don’t have to do anything if they don’t get an offer they like. The New Orleans Pelicans have more to offer than just about anyone, but would they be willing to sacrifice some of the future for a chance at titles now?