The Rockets traded Whitmore for these three reasons!

The news that the Rockets traded Whitmore's first-round pick in 2023 to the Wizards has surprised many fans. Why was this potential star who was once regarded as a "battery-picking" abandoned by the team in just over a season? In-depth analysis is not difficult to find that there are three key reasons behind it.

1. The problem of restricted playing time and system adaptation

With the joining of Durant, Capela and other combat power, the Rockets have shifted from reconstruction to winning the championship, and the lineup can greatly compress the growth space for young players. Although Whitmore has shown his substitute scoring ability, he has never gained a foothold in the rotation - he played 51 games last season, averaging only 16.2 minutes of playing time, which is difficult to support him to continue to improve.

More importantly, his style is incompatible with the system of head coach Uduka. Uduka emphasizes iron-blooded defense and teamwork, while Whitmore lacks concentration in defense, makes many mistakes, and his defensive efficiency is far inferior to Ethan in the same position. He loves to be addicted to singles on the offensive end, and it is still difficult to integrate into the team after many communications, which makes the coaching staff gradually lose patience, and his position in the team is naturally becoming more and more marginal.

2. Salary space pressure and potential renewal risks

The Rockets' current salary is approaching the first tyrant line, and every penny has to be carefully calculated. Whitmore's current annual salary of $3.54 million seems not much, but next summer he will face early renewal, which has become the team's "hot potato".

If you give a high salary, with his current performance, if he can't play, he will directly lock in the salary space and affect subsequent recruitment; if you give a low salary, it may not only not be able to retain people, but may also cause the locker room to be dissatisfied with salary fairness. Trading not only releases salary flexibility at the moment, but also completely avoids the uncertainty of renewal. It is a pragmatic choice for the Rockets who are determined to win the championship.

3. Taking into account player development and the team's future, the Rockets also considered Whitmore's situation in the transaction. The Wizards are in the reconstruction period and urgently need to train young players. He can get stable playing time and ball rights there, which is more conducive to growth than "sitting on the bench" on the Rockets. Moreover, Washington is very close to his hometown, and the familiar environment may help him adjust his mentality.

For the Rockets, using the potential that they cannot use for the time being to exchange for the future second round pick will not waste resources, but also retain chips for the team's subsequent adjustments. This transaction seems to "send away potential", but in fact it is a rational choice that both parties make the necessary choice.