"The Rockets continue to be as active as any team in the league. They would, ideally, really like to move up into the top 5. However, it looks like they’ve already turned down at least one offer to package pick Nos. 14 and 16 to get into the top 10."
Given Joe Dumars’ history, he might be leery of having too many rookies on the team at once – a concern I wouldn’t share – but that aside, trading No. 9 for the Rockets’ two first-round picks makes a lot of sense for Detroit if Andre Drummond doesn’t fall to No. 9. There are several big men of similar value who should be available at No. 9, and there’s a sold chance two of them would be available at 14 and 16.
But the Rockets know this, too. Why would they trade up to get a player at No. 9 who’s similar to the players who will probably be available at No. 14?