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Winners and losers from the NBA trade deadline

Sacramento Kings

Winner: Houston Rockets

Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lou Williams (23) warms up before the start of their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The deal sending Lou Williams from Los Angeles to Houston was a win-win for both sides. First off, the Rockets were pretty much able to match contracts for next season by sending Corey Brewer packing for Williams. That will be a big deal when the summer hits. Secondly, what projects to be a late first-round pick is not bad value for a player of Williams’ ilk.

From a pure basketball standpoint, it’s rather clear what Houston is attempting to do here. Put as many three-point shooters on the court at the same time and see if it can somehow replicate the Warriors. More than that, we’ll get to see if the Rockets can challenge Golden State come playoff time.

James Harden, Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza and Williams all rank within the NBA’s top-20 three-point shooters this season. By adding Williams and his 18-plus points per game, Houston can match any small ball lineup in the NBA with the best of them.

If need be, the team can play Williams at point with Harden at shooting guard, Gordon manning the three and Anderson playing the stretch-four. Try guarding that lineup.

Houston knows what it was doing by adding an instant scorer to the mix in Williams. Whether it’s enough to overcome Golden State and San Antonio out west remains to be seen. But at least this squad was being extremely proactive while finding optimal value in a mid-season trade. That’s never a bad thing.

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