A new report from a notable NBA insider claims it’s very possible the Houston Rockets trade top star Alperen Sengun this summer in an attempt to find a game-changer star.
Over the first half of the season, the Rockets showed some solid progress from 2022-23 under the guidance of new head coach Ime Udoka. However, they struggled mightily in January and February and plummeted down the NBA standings. However, in March they have turned into one of the hottest teams in the league.
- Alperen Sengun stats (2023-24): 21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 30% 3 PT
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One of the most fascinating facets of their recent 10-game win streak is that top star Alperen Sengun has missed almost all of it. The combination of a disappointing season for the team and not being present for a high point may have opened the door to the organization pondering life without the former first-round pick.
On Friday, ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon reported that the Rockets “want to take a big, big swing in the trade market” sooner than later and Jalen Green or Alperen Sengun are sure to be a part of a blockbuster deal that will also include the multiple high-value draft picks they own. It is a stunning development considering the 21-year-old has had a breakout season in 2023-24.
The Rockets looked to make big moves last summer and after an average-at-best 2023-24, that still looks to be the strategy heading into the summer. Alperen is likely to draw a lot of interest because of his age, size, and upside. If the Rockets do move him let’s look at four teams they could pull off a blockbuster deal with.
4 teams that could pursue Alperen Sengun on the summer trade market
Phoenix Suns
The league will be watching the Phoenix Suns and their progress this spring. If they fall flat and continue to disappoint there could be some major changes to the coaching staff and roster. Sengun and the nine first-round picks the Houston Rockets have for the rest of the decade could be strong trade chips if the Suns are willing to part with either Kevin Durant or Devin Booker.
- Alperem Sengun injury update: He reportedly could return before the season ends on April 20
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Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors need to shake things up this offseason and that could include a blockbuster trade for Alperen Sengun. While the issues Steve Kerr and young star Jonathan Kuminga had seemed to have been ironed out, packaging him and Andrew Wiggins, or him and Klay Thompson (via a sign-and-trade) could be appealing to the Rockets.
For the Warriors a future with a big-and-small man combo of Stephen Curry and Sengun could extend the Warriors championship possibilities in the final years of the future Hall-of-Famers prime.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have two stars that could appeal to Houston, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Both have pros and cons based on age, injuries, and contracts, but both are multi-time All-Stars and would bring a proven go-to scorer other players can play off of. DeRozan would be a sign and trade but a deal that included either guard and Nikola Vucevic would be a big upgrade to the Rockets roster.
For the Bulls they get a young star to build around and a bunch of cap space to use on other players.
Atlanta Hawks
There have been rumblings for months about the Atlanta Hawks being open to trading either DeJounte Murray or Trae Young. Both would be a great scoring addition in a new dynamic backcourt with Fred VanVleet. And if veteran big Clint Capela came in the deal, he would be a great fit for Udoka’s defensive style.
For the Hawks, they finally move on from one of the guards and go forward with a fascinating big-and-small scoring duo that could be trouble in the East.