Both the Clippers and Rockets are mid-table teams in the NBA’s Western Conference at the moment, and each team has some players who could use a change of scenery. This trade makes that happen.

Why the Rockets do this:

PJ Tucker is slightly better than Reggie Bullock or Jock Landale, providing solid defense, and is a good veteran leader for this young core that could use it. Tucker has also played for the Rockets before and would be returning for a second stint in Houston.

Why the Clippers do this:

The Clippers aren’t using Tucker so they trade him here to the Rockets in exchange for a backup center Jock Landale who might be more valuable long-term than Theis as well as a decent shooter in Bullock. They also save a few dollars with this trade, which is important as they are a luxury tax team.