Houston Exchanged a Third-Round Right for Hank McDowell
Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers reached an agreement on August 29, 1984 that sent Hank McDowell to the Rockets in exchange for a 1985 third-round draft selection. The historical draft ledger eventually associates that selection with No. 65 Kenny Perry. Houston preferred to take a look at an available frontcourt player before the season, while Los Angeles converted a player it could part with into a future development chance. The Clippers had recently relocated from San Diego, so the change in franchise location is relevant to the date. This deal didn't contain a first-round selection or an established All-Star.
McDowell's NBA Prospects Were Still Being Evaluated
McDowell was a center and forward prospect whose value depended on how the Rockets would use him, rather than his previous draft reputation alone. Houston could examine whether he fit behind its taller frontcourt players and whether he earned rotation minutes. Acquiring his name on an official transaction ledger did not ensure he would become a substantial new NBA scorer. The team gave up a later selection rather than immediate veteran help, so its practical wager was that an existing player's readiness outweighed an uncertain draft slot. His career after the trade must be assessed separately from what Houston hoped to gain.
Los Angeles Held a Traceable 1985 Draft Asset
The Clippers' incoming third-round choice ultimately connects to the No. 65 Kenny Perry position. In 1985, that was a legitimate professional draft round, but it carried limited certainty of a regular-season roster place. The franchise could select a prospect or deal the pick before the draft; either pathway would require following the individual rights chain. Another transaction in September 1984 involving the Clippers and Washington also references a 1985 No. 65 pick, so those related records need careful reconciliation rather than treating two No. 65 positions as different assets. The direct August return is one third-round right.
The Draft Opportunity Slightly Outweighs the Player Experiment
Los Angeles gave up McDowell but gained a pick it could put toward a future roster, whereas Houston received a chance to test the big man's immediate NBA usefulness. Neither side secured a reliable starter and the draft-rights trail is narrower than some later summaries imply. The Clippers receive a modest edge because the recorded selection gave them another developmental option, while McDowell's new Rockets contribution didn't become a major historical story. This is a small trade whose value is better conveyed through its precise pick and player than through unrelated franchise achievements.
Final Verdict
Clippers Win, narrowly. Los Angeles earns C+ for the 1985 third-round selection associated with No. 65 Kenny Perry, while Houston receives C- for Hank McDowell's limited upside as a frontcourt option. A related later No. 65 transaction requires rights-chain reconciliation; the August deal shouldn't be counted as creating two separate picks.