After Harden deal, Rockets GM Rafael Stone values ‘flexibility’ in draft picks, trade exception

Rafael Stone spoke to the media Sunday for just the second time since taking the Houston GM job, and the first since trading James Harden.

For only the second time since taking the job of Rockets GM, Rafael Stone held a press conference with reporters. Stone, whose initial Houston media session came after taking the reins from Daryl Morey in November 2020, spoke Sunday regarding factors that led to the blockbuster James Harden trade, as well as the franchise’s direction moving forward.

“I think what’s super exciting about this deal is it gives us flexibility, especially with high picks,” Stone said of the Harden trade, which gave the Rockets four future first-round draft picks and four pick-swap rights. “I think those are the highest forms of currency.” Houston also acquired two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo as part of the four-team deal.

Topics discussed in Stone’s interview session include what prompted the Harden trade; why he chose a package heavy on future draft assets; whether trades or contract extensions involving veterans on expiring contracts (PJ Tucker, Victor Oladipo) might occur by this season’s March 25 trade deadline; the possibility of using a significant trade exception generated from the Harden deal; and much more.

Here are some key tidbits from Sunday’s chat, including perspective from Stone on reasonable expectations for Houston’s revamped roster.

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