Rockets to Number 2?

UPDATE, June 9, 7:50 p.m. CDT -- Here are a few players I believe the Rockets may have their eye on -- IF the Rockets worked a deal and moved into the top eight (or so) picks: Ricky Rubio (6'4, point guard); James Harden (6'5", shooting guard); DeMar DeRozan (6'6", shooting guard); or Tyreke Evans (6'6", combo guard).


I have no doubt the Houston Rockets are trying to move into the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft (June 25th); however, this bit of news really, really surprised me.

Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes in this article the Rockets are interested in a deal which would move them from no picks in the first round WAY up to the second overall pick in the first round which is currently owned by the Memphis Grizzlies.

"As the rumor mill churns, the Griz have been approached by several teams about acquiring the second overall pick. Boston, Houston, and New York are said to be among the most recent suitors.

Boston and Houston would likely have to offer an established NBA player or two, given that neither team owns a first-round pick..."

I've talked with a few media colleagues about the Rockets' interest in acquiring a first-round pick; and, I've always believed the Rockets were interested in obtaining a pick in the 20s. However, yesterday, I heard about some rumblings about a deal which would result in the Rockets getting the 8th pick overall from the Knicks. Now, this rumor about the Rockets trying to get the 2nd overall pick.

My question is simple: who do the Rockets have, that's worth a damn, that would interest the woeful Grizzlies or the woebegone Knicks so much to give up a lottery pick?

Tracy McGrady (or more likely Tracy McGrady's one year left on his current contract - $23M plus) seems to be a logical answer.