The 2020 NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone and Daryl Morey and the front office did not stand still.
The Rockets traded Clint Capela, Nene, Gerald Green and a first-round pick in a large four-team deal to acquire Robert Covington and Jordan Bell, then sent Bell to Memphis for forward Bruno Caboclo.
Why This Was Necessary
We’ve seen 50 games of the James Harden–Russell Westbrook pairing and the results of the trade are in:
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This is the least-efficient offense of the D’Antoni Rockets era and, with the exception of the “Melo Rockets”, this is the least-efficient defense of the D’Antoni Rockets era.
Not exactly the kind of impact you would expect when you give up a crucial piece/Hall of Famer, two future first-round picks and two future first-round pick swaps.
By now, it should be clear that simply plugging and playing Westbrook into the template of past Rocketball success, a model that didn’t require structural change, won’t work and is never going to work. This team as constructed was not a legitimate contender. It was obvious with every home loss. It was a good team but not a great one and it was not going to win an NBA title.
While it’s safe to say the Rockets drastically overpaid in the Westbrook trade, it doesn’t mean it’s a failure yet. One title would validate it all. The problem is that was not going to happen for the Rockets as they were — they have to make changes if they’re going to get back to the contender status they earned the past three seasons.
This trade gives them a chance.
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The Rockets are taking a radical but smart approach to getting the skills of Harden and the strengths of Westbrook to mesh.
Capela was a key cog in the machine during the Chris Paul years. He was vital as a screener, pick-and-roll lob threat and rim protector. He improved a great deal as a switching defender. If defenders stayed home on the shooters, Harden or Paul would isolate, break down their man and force Clint’s defender to commit, creating alleyoop opportunities often. The Rockets were 42-3 in the 2017-18 regular season when Capela, Harden and Paul all played and Capela’s role in that can’t be overstated.
With Westbrook’s inability to shoot threes, this system broke down — or at least wasn’t as well-oiled. Teams were doubling Harden more frequently, inviting Westbrook to do something from long range. Westbrook has only one scoring play that he hits at an above-average clip — shots in the restricted area. He could thrive in space with easy lanes to the hoop, but with two non-shooters on the floor, that space was limited.
So while many fans were yelling, “Don’t blame Westbrook! He got you 35!” they weren’t understanding how this all worked. To Russ’ credit, he is playing fine by his standards and has adjusted by abandoning his ineffective three-point shot and attacking the basket, but the overall impact is still felt. Clint filled his role well for years, but the Rockets are now married to Russ and they have to make this work.
By removing Clint, Westbrook can now be the lone Rocket on the floor with limited range. Yes, you lose the lob threat and that’s big. You lose defense and rebounding and that’s even bigger. These are things the Rockets are going to have bust their ass to make up because they’re going to be undersized every night.
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But they have an identity now, a method to how they play that can maximize the skillset of their two star guards when both are on the floor. That’s what’s been missing. With four shooters around Westbrook, the likes of Rudy Gobert and Anthony Davis can’t just loiter around the paint. The spacing that Westbrook needs to thrive on drives should be there and if they collapse protecting the rim, he’s a terrific passer and should find the shooters.
In other words, this might just fit now.
“It just presented itself,” said Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni on making the deal. “Clint got hurt. We have Russ, who is a unique talent, and I think we need to play to his talents. I think James is comfortable either way. It does help him, I think, in the long run.”
That’s why I haven’t even discussed Covington’s skillset until now because it’s important to understand why the Rockets viewed this as the right move. Acquiring a center for this team is much easier to do than it is to find a two-way wing like Covington. This gives the Rockets a true Trevor Ariza replacement, a strong defensive wing with a 7-foot-2 wingspan that can slide to four in smallball lineups. PJ Tucker is no longer alone as the team’s defensive anchor. Covington gives you another player that could attempt to slow down a Lebron or a Kawhi.
He’s a good three-point shooter (35.8% career) but not an incredible one. In Houston’s lineup, there’s a legit reason to be optimistic that he could inch closer to 40%.
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A lineup of Russ, Harden, Eric Gordon, Covington and Tucker is arguably the NBA’s most unique lineup. I expect the offensive rating to head towards being the best in the league once again. Defense? That’s the big question. Can the Rockets rebound and defend? If so, they’re a contender. If not, they’re a fun gimmick.
Caboclo is very intriguing. He’s 6-foot-9 with tremendous length, sporting a ridiculous 7-foot-6 wingspan. He’s energetic and can defend. I expect him to work his way into possibly getting some time at center, especially when Harden is running the show and Westbrook is on the bench. He has also shown the ability to hit from deep, connecting on 36.9% from three last year with the Grizzlies. That hasn’t been the case this season, but the ability is there and I think it will be a big key to working his way to minutes.
He’s dealing with a bone bruise in his knee and is still some time away from a return, but he’s an option for a four-five that D’Antoni can turn to.
Rockets Continue To Overpay
Trading Capela for Covington? I agree with this move. I feel it improves the Rockets today and gives them a chance that they didn’t have before the deal. But tossing in yet another first-round pick for the opportunity to unload Nene’s and Green’s expiring contracts? Really?
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It should absolutely alarm you the degree to which Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has given away valuable pieces to get what he wants. The Rockets have created FIVE first-round draft pick debts (three first-rounders and two first-round swaps) that extend out the next six and a half years, not to mention cleaning out the entire cupboard of second-round picks. The Rockets right now are basically that one college kid that opens and maxes out as many credit cards as the system will allow and likes the idea of making the minimum payment each month.
Wouldn’t the Rockets have just been better off using a fraction of these future assets along with, say, Brandon Knight’s contract, to acquire Covington outright and put him alongside Paul and Capela? I mean, what do I know.
The fact that Daryl Morey’s voice, when it comes to personnel and trades, does not appear to be the loudest in the room terrifies me right now. The Rockets better win a title out of this experiment because I can assure you, there will be some lean years in the near future.
Conclusion
The Rockets are so deeply in debt that the 2020 first-round pick isn’t that big of a deal — it’s at least the one draft pick they’ve traded where they can get an accurate feel for where it will be. It’s just a shame that the Rockets couldn’t execute this trade without it, then use it to acquire another piece in a separate deal.
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The team has two open roster spots and will aggressively enter the buyout market seeking a forward or center that gives them some size. Tristan Thompson would make a lot of sense, if the Cavs do pursue a buyout. They still need more help.
But the Smallball Revolution is here and the Rockets, as they did with the Threeball Revolution, are leading the charge. While everybody is laughing at Houston’s inability to match up with the size of the likes of the Lakers and Bucks, and it may prove justified, the Rockets are looking at it in a different way:
Can those teams match up with our shooting and speed?
Armed with a bizarre fascination for Mario Elie and a deep love of the Houston Rockets, Dave Hardisty started ClutchFans in 1996 under the pen name “Clutch”.
In the first two weeks of January, fourth-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. went through a brutal eight-game shooting slump, and the Rockets were 3-5 over that span.
But since mid-January, Smith’s fortunes have changed in a big way — and so, too, have those of the Rockets as a team.
In 17 games since Jan. 18, the Auburn product is averaging 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% overall, 42.6% on 3-pointers, and 81.4% on free throws.
Smith’s true-shooting clip is a robust 64.8% over that period, and the Rockets are 11-6 (.647) during those 17 games — second-best among all Western Conference teams. In their previous 22 games, Houston had gone 11-11.
“The last month or so I think Jabari has been catching his rhythm, understanding more his role,” All-Star forward Kevin Durant said postgame. “I know guys have been here for a while but it’s still a different team from last year, so guys have got to understand their roles a bit more. I think Bari has just stepped into his position and been great for us the last month.”
For Smith, it was his first time since February 2024 to score 20+ points in consecutive games.
Yet, it wasn’t just about the scoring, as Smith also finished with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals against the Jazz. In postgame comments from Toyota Center, the versatile 6-foot-11 forward said he believes those types of defensive contributions often fuel his offense.
“I think it was about my mindset going into the games,” Smith said of his recent improvements. “Like I always say, if I do the other things, I usually play well.”
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”I’m not going into the game worrying about when my shot is going to come, or when I’m going to get the ball. I’m just trying to focus on crashing, and doing other things. Playing defense, rebounding. Usually, when I focus on those things, the game just comes more naturally to me. I’m not thinking about it, and I just feel like I’m in a better flow.”
And at just 22 years old, Houston’s No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 draft still has plenty of time to get even better. Asked Monday whether he feels he’s emerging as one of the better two-way players in the NBA, Smith didn’t mince words.
“For sure,” Smith told Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports.
“As I keep focusing on the defensive end and on the little things, I think I’m only going to keep getting better. The game is slowing down for me this year, and teammates are helping me. I feel like I’m in a good flow right now.”
“To answer your question, yes, for sure.”
For the 2025-26 season overall, Smith is now averaging career-highs in points (15.6 per game), 3-point shooting (37.0%), and true shooting (57.1%), and his combination of size and shooting allows him to space the floor and impact games without being ball dominant.
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Defensively, Smith ranks in the 88th percentile in blocks and 78th percentile in defensive rebounding among NBA forwards, per Cleaning the Glass.
As a team source recently told ClutchFans, “He’s Mr. Reliable.”
For more insight on Smith’s recent play, check out the ClutchFans YouTube channel for live postgame reaction to each game! Monday’s late episode features Dave Hardisty and Jeff Balke.
Will Kevin Durant’s alleged social media “burner” comments affect the Rockets?
At least through one game — Thursday’s impressive road win at Charlotte, led by a dominant showing from Durant — the answer appears to be no. (At least not negatively!)
With that victory and a Denver loss, Houston (34-20) climbed to No. 3 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings. Next up is Saturday’s showdown at Madison Square Garden, where tipoff versus the New York Knicks is at 7:30 p.m. Central on ABC.
In recent days, we had a pair of YouTube live streams reacting to the latest developments. Wednesday’s show with ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty and Ben DuBose broke down Durant’s interview comments related to the scandal, while Thursday’s show with Hardisty, DuBose, and Chron.com’s Michael Shapiro offers key takeaways from an important win over the Hornets.
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You can watch those shows below, and if you haven’t seen the alleged Durant commentary regarding at least two of his teammates, you can read those messages here. Judge for yourself.
Houston didn’t make a move at Thursday’s in-season trade deadline, but the Rockets did get a much-needed victory in Saturday’s 112-106 win at Oklahoma City.
For the Rockets, it’s their first win of 2025-26 against the defending NBA champs. Houston (32-19) remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, while the top-seeded Thunder (40-13) continue to own the league’s best record.
Featuring Ben DuBose, Paulo Alves, and ClutchFans’ Dave Hardisty, Saturday’s postgame show reacts to both the trade deadline and that nationally televised Rockets-Thunder showdown.
Topics include offensive growth by Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.; an apparent step forward for Alperen Sengun on defense; what general manager Rafael Stone considered at the deadline; and potential buyout options and trade targets over the coming weeks and months.
The Rockets began January with a 3-5 record in their first eight games, and that included a winless road trip in Portland (twice) and Sacramento.
But after finishing with seven wins in nine games, Houston (30-17) enters February at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings.
Late Saturday, ClutchFans Editor Dave Hardisty teamed up with Ben DuBose (USA TODAY’s Rockets Wire) to recap the ABC primetime showdown. That video is available to watch here, as are postgame notes issued by the team.
Topics on the show include recent improvements from both Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., with the latter on a clearly upward trajectory in late January.
— With the win, the Rockets split the season series versus the Mavs, 2-2. Houston closed out January by winning seven of its final nine games, while Dallas has lost a season-high tying four straight. The Mavericks had previously won a season-high four in a row.
— Houston held Dallas to 107 points and improved to 21-1 when allowing fewer than 110 points this season. The Rockets held opponents to 106.4 points per game in 17 January games, down from 112.0 points in the first 30 games of the season.
— The Rockets won despite shooting 41.7% from the floor. Houston has won three of its past four games while shooting below 45.0%, all after having just three previous wins (in 2025-26) when doing so. The Rockets had 108 shot attempts, tying for their second-highest total in a non-overtime game going back to 1986-87.
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— Houston had a season-high tying 33 assists with a season-low 6 turnovers. The Rockets are averaging 27.3 assists over the past seven games after averaging 20.8 the eight games prior. Houston has recorded 12 or fewer turnovers in consecutive games for the second time this season (Nov. 12-Nov. 14).
— Six Rockets scored in double-figures, including all five starters. The last time Houston’s entire starting lineup scored 10+ points was in Brooklyn on Jan. 1.
— Amen Thompson had 21 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. He has scored 20+ points in two of the past three games and 20 times overall this season, all after doing so 18 times in his first two seasons, combined. For the month of January, Thompson averaged 18.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.71 steals per game. [Video Highlights]
— Tari Eason had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 3-of-5 from 3-point range. He has scored 15+ points in five of his 10 games played this month after doing so five times his first 16 games played this season (the Rockets went 7-3 in those games). Eason has recorded 2+ steals in each of his past four games played, marking his longest streak since a five-game span in November 2024. [Video Highlights]
— Josh Okogie had 13 points, 5 rebounds, a steal, and a block off the bench while shooting 3-of-6 from 3-point range. He has scored in double-figures in each of the past two games after not scoring 10+ in any of the 21 previous games. From 3-point range, Okogie has hit 10 treys on 47.6% shooting over the past seven games, and he is shooting a career-high 39.3% this season. [Video Highlights]
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— Cooper Flagg had a game-high 34 points along with a career-high 12 rebounds and 5 assists. He scored a career-high 49 points in the Mavs’ last game versus Charlotte on Jan. 29. Dating back to 1996-97, Flagg’s 83 points is the third-highest two-game total by a rookie. He is the fourth different Dallas rookie to have scored 30+ points in consecutive games (Mark Aguirre, Luka Dončić, Jay Vincent).
Houston resumes play Monday at Indiana (13-36), and our ClutchFans Live postgame show will react to both that night’s action and the in-season trade deadline of Thursday, February 5. Chron.com’s Michael Shapiro will be our featured guest, so tune in!
Second-year guard Reed Sheppard scored 12 of his team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets rallied to an important 111-106 victory over the Spurs.
Tuesday’s win moved Houston up to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, and they only trail second-seeded San Antonio (30-14) by a game in the loss column.
Houston (26-15) finished up its five-game homestand at 4-1, and the Rockets are now 15-3 at Toyota Center this season.
Via Rockets PR, here is a statistical roundup of postgame notes:
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— With the win, the Rockets even the season series versus the Spurs, 1-1, with two games remaining. They have won six in a row at home against San Antonio. Houston finishes the halfway point of the 2025-26 season with a 26-15 mark, while San Antonio has its three-game winning streak snapped.
— Houston held San Antonio to 36 second-half points on 30.2% shooting (3-26 on 3-pointers) , all after the Spurs had 70 first-half points on 48.1% shooting (11-24 on 3-pointers). The Rockets won despite trailing by as many as 16 points, which is their largest comeback of the season.
— The Rockets outshot the Spurs, 51.8% to 39.0%. Dating back to 1975-76, Houston is 133-1 when shooting 50.0% or better while holding its opponent below 40.0% shooting, with the only loss coming at Detroit on Feb. 27, 1990. The Rockets have shot 50.0% or better in three of the past five games and 19 times overall this season, which is already tied for their highest season total since doing so 21 times in 2016-17.
— Houston won despite being outrebounded 45-43. The Rockets have won the past two games they have been outrebounded in after losing the previous four times this season.
— The Rockets had nine blocks. Houston has recorded 7+ blocks in 14 of its past 25 games after doing so three times in the first 16 games of the season. The Rockets have blocked 7+ shots 17 times this season, which is already their highest season total since doing so 20 times in 2019-20.
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— Alperen Sengun had 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. He has grabbed 13+ boards in three of the past four games after doing so three times prior this season. Sengun has also scored 20+ points in four of the past five games after doing so only twice over his previous seven games played.
— Reed Sheppard scored 12 of his team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter. He has scored 20+ points twice over the past seven games and six times overall this season after doing so twice as a rookie in 2024-25. With four 3-pointers, Sheppard has made 11 3-pointers (47.8% shooting) over his past three games.
— Amen Thompson had 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks. It is his ninth double-double of the season and his fourth over the past 10 games. Thompson has scored 15+ points in 28 of the 41 games this season — including 10 of the past 12 games — after doing so 33 times in 69 games played in 2024-25.
— Julian Champagnie had a game-high 27 points while shooting 8-of-16 from 3-point range (50.0%), but he was held scoreless in the fourth quarter. That is the third-highest point total of his career. Champagnie had a career-high 36 points while hitting a Spurs-record 11 3-pointers vs. New York on Feb. 31, 2025. He has scored 20+ points in four of the past 12 games after doing so three times prior this season.
Next up for the Rockets is a road back-to-back on Thursday and Friday at Philadelphia (23-19) and Detroit (31-10). Tipoff of both games is at 6:00 p.m. Central, and as usual, we’ll have live postgame recap videos on the ClutchFans YouTube channel.
