Ime Udoka, Rockets
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Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors.
The Houston Rockets have made it clear: the rebuild is over. After finishing as the No. 2 seed in the West and pushing the Golden State Warriors to seven games, Houston is thinking bigger.
But according to a report from The Athletic, they’re crossing two big names off the board.
Rockets Out on Devin Booker
Houston’s pursuit of Devin Booker is over.
Booker, who averaged 25.6 points and 7.1 assists this season, was considered a prime option to upgrade Houston’s inconsistent half-court offense. The Rockets have backed off due to long-term cap implications and their belief in Jalen Green, who’s five years younger and still on a rookie deal. Green’s contract reportedly saves the team $66 million over the next three years compared to Booker’s max deal, giving Houston far more flexibility moving forward (via The Athletic).
Booker would’ve made an immediate impact. Houston ranked 22nd in half-court offense and struggled late in games throughout the postseason. But the front office appears unwilling to mortgage the future—at least not for Booker.
NBACentral
The Houston Rockets still have faith in Jalen Green and are no longer interested in Devin Booker, per @TheAthletic
“The Rockets have previously held serious interest in the Suns’ Devin Booker, but team sources said that is no longer the case. Not only do team officials still
Zion Williamson Deemed ‘Too Risky’
Another name now off the table is Zion Williamson. According to The Athletic, the Rockets view the 24-year-old as too great a risk, citing his injury history and lack of long-term availability.
Though Zion averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in just 30 games this season—and posted career-best numbers across the board—the front office remains hesitant to bet on his health holding up.
The numbers are elite. Zion’s shooting percentage and passing from the forward spot make him unique. But for a team trying to take the next step, availability might matter more than ceiling.
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson in the 2024-25 season: 24.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 56.7 FG percentage
Rockets Still Chasing Star Power
Houston may be out on Booker and Zion, but they’re not done swinging. Sources say the team has interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Jaylen Brown.
Ime Udoka‘s past connection with Boston adds intrigue to any Brown pursuit, while Giannis and KD represent bold, win-now bets—though age and timeline questions persist, especially with Alperen Şengün already in the frontcourt.
NBACentral
The Rockets & Spurs are teams to watch if the Celtics trade core players,per @MarcJSpears
“2 teams I’m keeping an eye on for a couple of these guys perhaps is one is the Houston Rockets. And then another team is the San Antonio Spurs”
(@ohnohedidnt24)
The Rockets aren’t just looking to compete. They’re trying to win—now. And with cap space, assets, and momentum on their side, don’t expect them to stay quiet for long