The Rockets must pursue the Malcolm Brogdon deal, but adding Robert Williams III is too dangerous.
The Houston Rockets absolutely need bench depth to make a successful postseason run. The Rockets, who are 5-8 in January, need to make adjustments after falling two games short of.500 and one game short of the Western Conference’s tenth spot.
Following an unpleasant loss to the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday, the Rockets have been hearing rumors about Blazers veteran Malcolm Brogdon. Other potential suitors for the reigning Sixth Man of the Year include the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
In addition to Brogdon, Houston has explored included Robert Williams III in the trade package to address the team’s lack of center depth. Here’s why including Williams in the package could be terrible for Houston.
Analyzing Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III’s fit with the Rockets.
On paper, the Rockets’ acquisitions of Brogdon and Williams appear to be a perfect fit. Why not kill two birds with one stone? For starters, both are acquainted with the Boston Celtics’ coaching staff and front office. Brogdon, in particular, is an ideal backup combo guard for any squad. In 35 games, Brogdon has an average of 15.7 points and 5.3 assists, including a good 42.2% from three. The 31-year-old, who can provide consistent scoring, passing, and defense, would be an excellent addition to the Rockets’ ailing bench.
Williams is quite familiar with coach Ime Udoka, having played for him in Boston during the Celtics’ 2022 NBA Finals run. He was notably important to Boston’s defense, establishing himself as a major difference-maker in the postseason. Williams had his greatest regular season, averaging 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His paint defense will undoubtedly provide greater versatility and help to compensate for Alperen Sengun and the Rockets’ diminutive frontcourt players.
Injury prone.
What’s the problem? The injury history of the two. Brogdon’s injury history goes back to his sophomore season. Brogdon has played an average of 54.1 games since his second year in the league, including two shorter 72-game seasons in 2019-20 and 202-21.
While getting Brogdon isn’t a major risk, including Williams would make the deal much more complicated.
Williams is currently out for the season due to a ruptured ligament in his knee, having played only six games. Since he first stepped onto an NBA court, he has suffered from several injuries. Williams, 26, is in only his sixth NBA season and has yet to play more than 61 games. Including this season, Williams has an average of about 35 games. In theory, trading for him wouldn’t
That is, assuming Williams can stay on the court. Right now, injuries outweigh talent, and he is under contract until 2025-2026 for a total of $48 million. Having his payroll on the roster might be costly if Houston is looking to add depth elsewhere.
It’s simply too risky to pair Williams with the 2015 Rookie of the Year, who already has a history of injuries. With Brogdon earning $22.5 million in 2023-2024 and 2024-25, the two together would account for $34 million on this season’s payroll alone.
This would be a different story if Williams was present. With Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks’ combined salary of $63.4 million this year, having four players—one of whom is unplayable and none of whom is a franchise player—earn nearly $100 million is a formula for catastrophe, especially when it comes to extending your key core.
Keep in mind that this does not mean Williams’ fit with the Rockets will be ineffective. It is certainly possible, but only if he is in perfect health. Nevertheless, he has not demonstrated his dependability on the court. If Houston completes this transaction, it will have long-term consequences for their depth.
