Dallas Mavericks: Could a trade with the Rockets help the Mavs?

The Houston Rockets are reportedly looking to make some changes to their roster next year and are willing to trade just about anyone on the active roster in order to make things work. Should the Dallas Mavericks be interested?

News broke today via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that Houston Rockets General Manager, Daryl Morey, is ready and willing to make moves to change up the roster before next season. The Dallas Mavericks are ready to be competitive in free agency, but they should at least explore what they could potentially get from the Rockets, right?

Based on what it sounds like, the Rockets are ready to trade anyone on the roster other than James Harden if the price is right. This team that has been the only actual hurdle the Warriors have had to clear in the Western Conference over the past few years is ready to change. Who could the Mavs pursue and would it even be worth it?

The first name that comes to mind is Clint Capela. Capela was a regularly mentioned name last summer for a center the Mavs could pursue. Dallas ended up getting a deal with DeAndre Jordan instead which worked out well, but it would have been interesting if they had pursued the big man in Houston.

If Dallas did want to pursue Capela, it would come at the expense of Dwight Powell, who we are all still expecting to return to the team next year. Despite an unconvincing playoff appearance this year, Capela still represents one of the best centers in the rim-running mold, averaging 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.

As nicely as he would fit with Luka as an above the rim threat, the only thing he really adds that Powell doesn’t is rebounding. I would be intrigued by a Capela trade, but my guess is the price would be just too high.

Aside from Capela, the only other player that the Mavs would likely have interest in is P.J. Tucker. Tucker has turned into a really nice 3-and-D option with the Rockets, but his strength is definitely on the defensive end. Tucker is also just a nice glue guy who does a little bit of everything to better the team.

Again, the main issue is that the Mavs don’t have much to offer. Tim Hardaway Jr. could be a guy that they are actually interested in, but Tucker and Hardaway play very different styles and Tucker’s is much needed for a Rockets team that needs the wing defense he offers.

So, to answer the original question, yes, the Mavs should be at least interested in what the Houston Rockets are asking for in return for some of their current players. There would be absolutely no harm in at least determining what it would cost for a Clint Capela, a P.J. Tucker or even an Eric Gordon.