The Houston Rockets have agreed to trade rising star center Alperen Şengün to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for young guards Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, as well as rookie big man Quinten Post, according to league sources.
This shocking move sends one of Houston’s most promising young players to a Western Conference rival, while the Warriors add a dynamic offensive big man to bolster their frontcourt. Meanwhile, the Rockets acquire a mix of young talent and draft capital, signaling a potential shift in their rebuilding timeline.
Why the Rockets Made This Move
1. Shifting Timeline & Prioritizing Backcourt Development
The Rockets, led by GM Rafael Stone, appear to be adjusting their long-term strategy. With Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore as key pieces, Houston may be prioritizing guard and wing development over Şengün’s post-centric game.
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Podziemski (21) had a strong rookie season (9.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG) and fits Houston’s need for a high-IQ playmaker.
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Santos (22) is a versatile wing with upside, while Post (24) provides depth as a stretch big.
2. Defensive Concerns with Şengün
While Şengün is an elite offensive talent (21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG in 2023-24), his defensive limitations may have clashed with coach Ime Udoka’s system. The Rockets could be betting on a more switchable, defensively versatile frontcourt moving forward.
3. Future Draft Capital?
While no picks have been reported yet, it’s possible Houston secured additional draft compensation, given Şengün’s value.
Why the Warriors Pulled the Trigger
1. Solving Their Center Problem
Golden State has struggled with inconsistent center play since the departure of Andrew Bogut and Kevon Looney’s decline. Şengün gives them a legitimate 20+ PPG scorer in the post, elite passing, and improved rebounding.
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Perfect fit in Steve Kerr’s motion offense – Şengün’s playmaking (5.0 APG) mirrors Draymond Green’s role but with superior scoring.
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Unlocks new offensive dimensions – The Warriors have lacked a true post threat since David Lee.
2. Extending the Championship Window
With Steph Curry (36) still playing at an MVP level, Golden State is in win-now mode. Şengün (21) is young enough to grow with Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, ensuring long-term viability.
3. Cost-Controlled Talent
Şengün is still on his rookie deal ($3.7M in 2024-25), allowing the Warriors to maintain financial flexibility while adding a star-caliber player.
Trade Grades
Houston Rockets: B-
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Pros: Podziemski is a great fit next to Green/Thompson, Santos has upside, and Post adds depth. If picks are included, this could look better.
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Cons: Losing Şengün’s elite offensive upside hurts, especially if he blossoms into an All-Star in Golden State.
Golden State Warriors: A
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Pros: They land a potential future All-Star without giving up Kuminga or Moody. Şengün fits perfectly alongside Curry and Green.
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Cons: Podziemski was a fan favorite, and his playmaking will be missed.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Houston Rockets
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Likely to pursue a rim-protecting big (Clint Capela? Walker Kessler?) via trade or free agency.
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Podziemski could start at PG, allowing Amen Thompson to play more off-ball.
Golden State Warriors
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A potential starting lineup of Curry, Klay, Wiggins, Draymond, Şengün is terrifying offensively.
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Could still pursue another wing defender (e.g., Luguentz Dort, Dorian Finney-Smith).
This is a high-risk, high-reward move for both teams. The Warriors get a franchise center, while the Rockets bet on their young guards. If Şengün becomes a superstar in Golden State, Houston may regret this deal. But if Podziemski develops into a Tyrese Haliburton-lite playmaker, the Rockets could still come out ahead.
Winner (for now): Golden State. They just added a future star without gutting their core.
