Rocket Wizards 4 for 1 plan, Space City adds an elite shooter to its powerful defensive lineup

According to Eddie Bitar, senior contributor of US sports media F/W. The Rockets are exploring an unknown deal that will introduce Poole, a player that has steadily developed into one of the more dangerous shooting guards in the league. Last season in Washington, Poole scored his best career stats, averaging 20.5 points and 4.5 assists and shooting 37.8% from the field. He can break through and shoot and open up space, which makes him very suitable to ignite Houston's backcourt.

Poole improved his shooting and offensive ability in the Wizards, while also reducing the pressure on their young players. His experience and veteran wisdom can also accelerate the Rockets' growth and seamlessly integrate into pick-and-roll and catch-and-shoot roles. The Wizards’ reward is an unproven talented player and a lottery pick that meets the needs of reconstruction. By trading Poole, the Wizards can double their investment in youth, growth and long-term roster flexibility.

Rockets get: Poole

Wizards get: Jr., Shepard, Landael, 2025 No. 10 draft pick

Rockets finally added an elite shooter to their strong defensive lineup. The Rockets entered the offseason with the momentum of a breakthrough season. The Rockets have a defensive rating of 110.8 and tied for fourth in the NBA last season. Led by coach Uduka, the team's defensive identity is based on elite wing guards Thompson, Dillon and Ethan, with Shin Kyung and Adams laying the foundation for the inside. Thompson, a top striker, is able to produce a game-changing defense, stealing seven times in a game this season and often curbing opponents’ vanguards when selected to the all-NBA defensive first team. Dillon, a member of the best defensive team of 2023, strengthened the back line with physical fitness and perimeter pressure. Shin Kyung scored four triple-doubles, redoubled his efforts in rim protection, and helped Houston's top-level defensive base strengthen as a first-time All-Star player.

But in this collective defensive ability, there is an obvious problem: space and shooting. The Rockets ranked 21st in three-point shooting percentage and had difficulty surrounding them with high-yield shooters. This trading plan, Poole solved this exact need, his 37.8% three-point shooting percentage and 20.5 scoring impact per game can complement this defensive core and boost external firepower. Whether starting from point guard or substitute Jaylen Green, Poole can provide the Rockets with a player who can always make three-pointers when they are open, because it is a major weakness in the team in the playoffs. The Wizards trade Poole for younger, cheaper assets

Poole's contract for $29.65 million in 2024-25 and will rise to $31.85 million next season, one of the Wizards' biggest contracts, trading him will release a lot of cap space and ease financial pressure. Getting Xiao Jia and Shepard, both of these trades are rookies, budget-friendly, and provide predictable upward space and talent. Jia averaged 12.2 7 rebounds per game this season and shot 35.4% from the field, while Shepard averaged 4.4 points and 33.8% from three-point shooting in a limited number of minutes. There is also the No. 10 draft pick from 2025 that can be further supplemented with talented young people or packaged for future deals.

If the Rockets don't get superstars, this is a perfect backup trading option. The Rockets have not yet given up on elite talents such as Antetokounmpo or Durant. If the pursuit of superstars fails to meet the requirements, Poole's franchise offers a plug-and-play plan. Poole is a complementary part that can smoothly merge with the core part without destroying the chemistry. His offensive skills bring elite defense and perimeter threats to the Rockets. Then, maintaining excellent defense, upgrading space and scoring, and maintaining the flexibility of the upper limit, this is a good alternative.