NBA: The 6 big winners and losers of the trade deadline

NBA Trade Deadline biggest loser: Houston Rockets

Sheeeeeeeeesh. Okay, let’s recap.

The Houston Rockets traded James Harden for Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, and four first rounders with the ability to switch four others. A massive haul BUT the Rockets could have gotten Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen instead of Oladipo. But Houston “needed” an All-Star in return, to feign competitiveness in the face of a full rebuild.

Well, it didn’t work. Oladipo has failed to make an impression and the Rockets have the second-worst record in the league. And rather then lose Dipo for nothing this offseason, they had to trade him now. And they got Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, and a meaningless pick swap. Instead of LeVert and Allen. Two of the best young prospects at their respective positions.

The Rockets have made some smart moves this year. The Christian Wood signing may have been the best value of the offseason and the Kevin Porter Jr. pick-up could end up being a major steal. But this is an all-time blunder. One that the franchise may not recover from for a long time. Spooky hours in Houston right now.