The NBA trade rumors continue as the deadline approaches, but an aggressive team might not make a move.
The Houston Rockets are one of the most active teams when it comes to improving their roster. GM Daryl Morey is not afraid to pull the trigger on bold transactions. This is one reason why he was able to land James Harden and eventually entice Dwight Howard to leave the LA Lakers for them.
However, their stance might change this season, if statements from Morey are to be believed. Amid swirling talks about Dwight Howard and claims that he is "unhappy" with the team, Morey contends that Howard is actually on the same page with the rest of the team.
"We're just focused on this season," Morey told the Ultimate Rockets blog. "So is Dwight. If we as a team and he as a player play(s) like we know he's capable and has been this year and was last year, all that stuff takes care of itself. There's no way we make the conference finals last year without Dwight and there's no way are making the solid playoff push this year without Dwight."
Dwight Howard has quietly been playing well this season as the Rockets have somehow crept up in the standings and are now gunning for 6th place in the Western Conference to avoid facing either of the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs in the first round. They are currently at 7th place with a 25-25 record.
The goals of the Houston Rockets have adjusted drastically and they are not likely to reach the same lengths as they did last season when they went to the conference finals.
Still, as NBC contends, that is not reason enough to trade Howard. There is no offer out there that will make the Rockets stronger, partly because of Dwight Howard's free agency status. D12 has an option to become a free agent at the end of the season.
This was listed as one of the main reasons for trading him, but no team would offer any substantial assets when Howard can also walk out on them to. Essentially, trading Howard means the Rockets are giving up the season, and Morey is not likely to do that.