Lakers offer Markkanen? Monk lands in Houston?

The Rockets began to try the twin-tower strategy in the third game of the preseason against the Pelicans. This is not surprising. Sheppard performed poorly in the first two preseason games. At the beginning of the regular season, head coach Uduka may not dare to let him serve as point guard. So Uduka asked Adams to return to the starting lineup and partner with Shen Jing in the paint. This was a tactic he tried in the playoffs against the Warriors and achieved good results. Facts have proved that the twin-tower tactics are indeed the secret weapon of this Rockets team. Data analyst Nate Duncan wrote that in the 22 minutes when Shen Jing and Adams were on the court together, the Rockets led the Pelicans 73-47, with a net victory of 26 points. But the Rockets' big lineup also exposed many shortcomings. Head coach Uduka admitted after the game that he was still exploring ways to open up space on the court.

Recently, the US media "FW" suggested that the Rockets, Lakers, Kings, and Jazz will negotiate around a four-party trade offer. If the negotiations go well, All-Star insider Markkanen is expected to go to Los Angeles to assist James and Doncic to bring him closer to the championship. The Rockets' goal is Monk, a strong contender for the best sixth man, and the Kings will get Japanese star Rui Hachimura as they wish. Specific details The trade plan is: 1. The Rockets send Capela + Jeff Green to get Monk; 2. The Lakers send Reeves + Rui Hachimura + Kleiber + Knecht + the 2029 Lakers first-round pick (top 6 protected) to get Mar. Kanin; 3. The Kings sent Monk to get Rui Hachimura; 4. The Jazz sent Markkanen to get Reeves + Kleber + Knecht + Capela + Jeff Green + 2029 Lakers first-round pick (top 6 pick protected).

If VanVleet is not injured, the Rockets management may not be willing to give up Capela. His choice to return to Houston this summer has strong personal emotions, so he gave up a higher annual salary. Rockets general manager Raphael Stone is a man who cares about old friendships, and his handling of meritorious veterans such as Harden and Gordon is touching. But the Rockets lack a defender who can open up the floor. Monk is one of the best choices. He has rapid breakthrough speed and rich offensive methods. He averaged 31.6 minutes per game last season and contributed 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists. No one doubts Monk's scoring ability, but he plays too egotistically and does not work hard enough on the defensive end. This caused the Kings management to put him on the trade shelf. The Rockets can let Monk play the role of the sixth man and become the offensive core of the second team.

James' career has entered the end stage. The Lakers management hopes to win the championship as soon as possible. Markkanen performed poorly last season and the Jazz management is struggling to provide him with a maximum salary contract. The Lakers are expected to become the receivers. James and Doncic both have the ability to make their teammates better. Markkanen is expected to change his past attitude under the spotlight in Los Angeles and re-show the ability of an All-Star center. The Kings have always favored Hachimura. He is a quality shooter and does not need too much ball rights. With this deal, the Jazz can not only get rid of Markkanen's big contract, but also get compensation from Reeves, who averages 20+ per game, and a first-round pick. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

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