The Rockets’ decision to trade Robert Covington likely means a major deal is on the way, even if we don’t know Houston’s plans ahead of opening night. Houston could flip its new pair of first-round picks for another asset alongside James Harden, though as things currently stand, having Harden on the roster through December is anything but guaranteed.
There’s also a good chance the Portland picks are just the start of Houston’s asset allocation. A haul of picks from Brooklyn may be on the way. Perhaps Russell Westbrook and P.J. Tucker can net additional draft capital.