…even more thoughts on today’s trade

Here were my final thoughts on today’s trade for ESPN’s Daily Dime:

From the Rockets’ perspective, there’s not much to hate about this trade. While it’s possible that Terrence Williams will not crack the regular rotation immediately, this was yet another classic low-risk/high-reward maneuver by general manager Daryl Morey. In giving up just a lottery-protected future first-rounder for the former No. 11 overall pick, Houston adds a promising piece for the future that could pay dividends in the present.

Williams brings playmaking, athleticism and defense to a club sorely in need of those qualities at his position. T-Will once cited Rockets forward Shane Battier as the player whom he most closely emulates on the defensive end; the latter will now serve as mentor to Houston’s newest acquisition.

While the maturity concerns are alarming, risks must be taken, especially at such low costs. The Houston Rockets now have a wing with plus athleticism whom they can groom as a defensive stopper, something they have not been able to say for many years.

Follow the link for takes on how the Lakers and Nets fared in this 3-way.

I’m sure this trade was all about identifying an undervalued commodity in Terrence Williams for the Rockets. But one consequence, intended or not, is that by strengthening the Nets’ war chest, there is now more pressure on the Knicks to get a deal done for a first-rounder*.  We already knew that New York and Houston had been haggling over Anthony Randolph.  Perhaps now with New Jersey appearing more like a serious threat, the Knicks will acquiesce or even sweeten the pot.

*Note that what makes Houston the most attractive trade partner for the Knicks is that by reclaiming their 2012 draft pick, they also would regain the ability to trade multiple picks.

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