If the Rockets have this transaction + this signing, then Stone can really be the god!

Rockets are crazy about chasing the strong: Stone's God-level operation is only the last puzzle

On the NBA's stage full of infinite possibilities, Houston Rockets general manager Stone has already made the team transform from reconstruction to championship competition with a series of amazing operations. But for the ambitious manager, his goal is much more than that. According to internal news from the league, the Rockets are actively planning two major operations. If successful, Stone will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark in the history of the Rockets and may even be expected to be a god.

The current situation of the lineup: Good strength still has shortcomings

This season, Stone has created a very competitive lineup for the Rockets through a series of exquisite transactions and signings. On the front line, with a super scorer like Durant, his arrival instantly improved the Rockets' offensive firepower; with Adams and Capela in the interior, their rebounding protection and frame protection capabilities built a solid defense line for the team; Van Vleet's organization and scoring ability in the backcourt can also provide the team with stable output. However, the lineup is not impeccable. Although Van Vleet, Amen Thompson and Holiday in the back line are among others, there is still a lack of a veteran who can control the rhythm at critical moments and a player with a tough defense and certain offensive ability.

Trading Target: Pelicans defender Alvarado

According to US media FW, the Rockets and the Pelicans are discussing a 2-for-1 deal. The Rockets are interested in sending Holiday and a second round pick to get Alvarado of the Pelicans. Alvarado averaged 24.4 minutes per game this season, scoring 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting percentage of 39.2% and three-point shooting percentage of 35.9%. He is very active on the defensive end and has the unique nickname of "Old Six". He can destroy the opponent's passing route through active hand interference and prediction, and oppress the opponent to create mistakes. At the same time, he also has certain ball-holding ability and outside shooting threats, and he is fully qualified as a substitute point guard. If he joins the Rockets, he can significantly improve the depth of the Rockets' backcourt, fill the biggest shortcoming of the Rockets' current lineup of centre-back substitutes, and make the Rockets' configuration on the back line more perfect. Whether it is the rotation of regular time or the stalemate of the game, there will be more tactical choices and room for personnel allocation. From the Pelicans' perspective, they have sufficient personnel reserves in the backcourt. As an experienced veteran, Holiday can teach young defenders experience and stabilize the morale of the army. The second round pick can also add chips to the team's future draft reserves. In terms of salary, Alvarado's salary in the new season is 4.5 million and Holiday is 4.8 million. The difference between the two is not big, providing convenience for transactions in salary matching and making transactions more feasible.

Chase Paul: The brain in the arena helps to win the championship

At the same time, the Rockets' pursuit of Paul has also entered a white-hot stage. Although Paul is over 40 years old, his role in the field cannot be ignored. Last season with the Spurs, he averaged 25 minutes per game, contributing 10 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds, and his three-point shooting percentage was stable at 37%. His passing vision and organizational skills are top-notch, and he can always create excellent scoring opportunities for his teammates at critical moments. For the Rockets, Paul's experience and leadership are urgently needed by the team. He can control the rhythm at critical moments of the game, help the team stabilize the situation, and serve as a mentor for young players to help young defenders such as Amen Thompson and Shepard grow rapidly. In the locker room, Paul's presence can also enhance the team's cohesion and make the team more united. From the contractual perspective, Paul may accept a two-year contract worth $12 million. This price is completely acceptable for the Rockets, and Paul also expressed his willingness to accept the substitute role. He can lead the second team to maintain the team's competitiveness while Van Vreet is resting.

Looking forward: aim at the championship, Stone's Road to Gods

If Stone can really complete these two operations, then the Rockets' lineup will be closer to perfection. The starting lineup can line up Van Vleet, Alvarado, Durant, Shinkyung and Amen Thompson. This lineup has both scoring ability and defensive strength; Paul sits on the bench, leading players such as Holiday and Jaylen Williams to maintain the team's competitiveness while the main players are resting. By then, Stone will leave a strong mark in the history of the Rockets and even the entire NBA history with this series of perfect operations. He will leap from an excellent general manager to a legend, and the road to the gods will be achieved. The Rockets will also become the most powerful contender for the championship in the new season, sprinting towards the third championship trophy in team history, allowing the championship to shine again over Houston's Space City. Let's wait and see if Stone can create this great miracle.