For a primer, click here to read some brief background on why the fourth pick has anything to do with the Rockets. I realize that they currently hold the fourteenth pick, but let's give ourselves a few more options, shall we?
↵Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the New Jersey Nets are strongly considering taking Wesley Johnson with the third overall pick in the draft, a move that contrasts the general belief that Mikhail Prokhorov and the Nets would be taking DeMarcus Cousins or Derrick Favors. Johnson has been a favorite of Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn for quite some time - all signs have pointed to the Wolves taking Johnson if he is available.
↵But now that Johnson may not fall to the Wolves, there's a chance that they could decide to jump ship, stockpile talent or extra picks and move down in the first round. If Favors (or Cousins) were to slip past the Nets, the Rockets would have to press the Timberwolves to acquire the fourth pick. Either one of these guys could turn into an All-Star forward. Likewise, they could turn into Eddie Griffin. Fine, that's pushing it a bit.
↵Rahat Huq of Red94.net had a conversation with Zach Harper of A Wolf Among Wolves following Givony's tweet yesterday. Here's an excerpt.
↵↵↵Since the Wolves seem content with passing on DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors if either are available, trading out of the 4th spot doesn't seem to be a big deal. I'm not necessarily doubting that Wesley Johnson can be a nice player in the league but to grab equal value from another team in order for them to move up and select Favors or Cousins doesn't seem to be a crazy idea.
↵
Take what you want from this, but if the Timberwolves and Rockets are able to agree on a package that doesn't take too big a chunk from the Rockets' roster, something very well may happen.