Houston Rockets Receive: PF Julius Randle New York Knicks Receive: PF Jabari Smith Jr., C Jock Landale, F Jeff Green, 2027 first-round pick (top-five protected) If the Rockets want to make a big leap in the West standings next season, adding an All-Star power forward in the prime of his career could help. Randle, 28, is a Texas native who would bring balance to this young Rockets team. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game last season and would slide into a Houston starting five that also features Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Alperen Şengün. Smith, 21, has All-Star potential, but Randle is better suited to lead the Rockets into the playoffs now. For a Knicks team that still went 21-15 without Randle and reached the second round of the playoffs, this move is designed to increase future financial flexibility while staying in the title hunt now. Smith could start at power forward, or the Knicks could keep OG Anunoby at the four, allowing Josh Hart or Donte DiVincenzo to stay in the opening lineup as well. Smith has two years remaining on his rookie deal, while Landale and Green are either in the final year of their contract or have a non-guaranteed salary for next season. That would save the Knicks a lot of potential money in 2025 with a Randle extension off the table. Landale would also give the Knicks a backup center to Mitchell Robinson, a spot that both Smith and Green could eat up minutes at as well. The Knicks would pick up a future first-round selection as well, which is important after they gave up five in a deal for Mikal Bridges.