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Houston Rockets
Sep 9, 2025 5:18 PM EDT
The Houston Rockets have had a busy offseason as they have made multiple additions to their roster to chase a championship this season.
Of course, Houston finished second in the Western Conference last season but were upset in the first round of the playoffs as the Golden State Warriors eliminated them in seven games.
Because of this, the Rockets felt that it was time for them to add a superstar player to their roster this summer and that is exactly what they did as they acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and multiple draft picks.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) — Source: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston then signed Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie in free agency while signing Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams and Jabari Smith Jr. to contract extensions.
With these moves, the Rockets are expected to be a major championship threat this season, though they could look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Rockets Could Target Hawks’ Trae Young
One player the Rockets could target this season is Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young to add another star player to their roster.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young — Source: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
For Young, many around the NBA are questioning his future with the Hawks as Atlanta has yet to offer him a contract extension despite him having a player option after this season.
Because of this, the Hawks could look to move their star guard this season and the Rockets could be a team to watch if he becomes available.
Mock Trade Sends Trae Young to Rockets
In a potential trade, the Rockets could send VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and multiple draft picks to the Hawks in exchange for Young.
This trade could not be completed until October 6 due to VanVleet’s extension this offseason.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets — Source: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, moving on from two young players in Sheppard and Smith Jr. would be a tough decision for the Rockets to make, though swapping out VanVleet for Young could help them make a championship run this season.
For Young, he would give Houston another star player alongside their core of Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson and he would also give them an elite 3-point shooter and playmaker.
Hawks News
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young in action. — Source: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Last season, the 26-year-old guard averaged 24.2 points, 31. Rebounds, 11.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.0% from three.
Young could be a perfect fit in Houston at the point guard position as his elite playmaking skills would be able to allow their other stars to find more shooting opportunities while also giving them an elite perimeter shooter.
Despite this, Young should draw interest from many teams if the Hawks make him available this season, though Houston has enough young talent and sough-after draft capital, mainly from the Suns, that could make them a frontrunner for him.
About the author
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Nathaniel Holloway is a sports writer specializing in the NBA, NFL and MLB at Athlon Sports. He specializes in trending news stories, breaking news, trade rumors and more.