Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets' early season woes has forced to make the necessary adjustments in the team's lineup to remain as a contender in a stacked Western Conference.
The Rockets were able to sneak into the top-eight teams in the Wild Wild West with a 10-11 record after winning three straight games, but inconsistency is still an issue within Houston's core team.
According to Sheridan Hoops' Michael Sotto, the Rockets "have been arguably the biggest disappointment of the season thus far."
Considering how the Rockets are playing in the 2015-2016 NBA season, they are truly one of the league's disappointments.
The Rockets have brought in former Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson into their lineup, but his addition has yet to make a positive impact with the team.
Firing Kevin McHale has not helped that much either, although the Rockets has improved to a more respectable record.
Sotto noted that if things do not "improve fast," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey "will look to make a blockbuster trade" at the expense of power forwards Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas.
Jones has been playing well for the Rockets, averaging 11.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, and he could be a valuable trade bait for Houston if they really intend to shake-up their roster.
On the other hand D-Mo has only played a single game in this season, and that was against the Rockets' 120-113 win over the Sacramento Kings. His playing time was limited to only six minutes after recovering from a back surgery.
Motiejunas is still considered a solid player at the four spot, but dealing him now does not seem to enticing for any teams, except for his expiring contract worth a little more than $2 million.
If the Rockets are determined to move Jones and D-Mo, it should be for a player that compliments James Harden's offensive repertoire. That player could be Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel as approved by ESPN's trade machine.
The 76ers are not expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, with the team carrying a 1-20 record.
Jones and Motiejunas did not sign contract extensions with the Rockets last month, making them restricted free agents next summer.
The trade would make sense for both teams, with the 76ers in another potential tanking situation and the Rockets on a win-now mode.
Moreover, Philadelphia could absorb both players' expiring contract and let them walk away in the free agency for the team to have more salary cap-space flexibility.
As for the Rockets, Noel could instantly contribute on the defensive end using his length and versatility, creating one of the scariest defensive frontcourt in the league.
Basketball fans are expecting more from a team that reached the Western Conference Finals last season, and right now, the Rockets look pretty far from their previous form.
