Why Rafael Stone and Tilman Fertitta were trade deadline winners

The 2022-23 NBA trade deadline came and went, and major changes came with it for the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets.Veteran guard Eric Gordon is finally on his way to a contender (the Los Angeles Clippers), while reserves Garrison Mathews and Bruno Fernando are out the door, as well (to Atlanta). For general manager Rafael Stone, both deals were made with future draft capital in mind.With that in mind, Sunday’s episode of “The Lager Line” (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing) explains why Stone and owner Tilman Fertitta deserve praise for what ultimately became a successful week for the franchise in its ongoing rebuilding efforts.The show, hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, also explores the ripple effects of Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn departure and whether it should make the Rockets more or less likely to hold those future first-round draft assets from the Nets, which last through the 2027 cycle.Support our partners and sponsors! Also, please subscribe and leave a positive review at your podcast home of choice.