The Houston Rockets are heading into what could be a very intriguing offseason. After pushing the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round of the playoffs and being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference throughout the 2024-25 season, things are looking up for the franchise.
On the outside looking in, the Rockets might truly be one player away from being an NBA Finals contender.
Looking ahead at players who could be available, there are a couple of names that stands out as a potential trade target for Houston. It's possible that the Phoenix Suns will be open to trading Kevin Durant. Should that become a reality, the Rockets would make a lot of sense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could be another name worth monitoring for Houston.
Evan Sidery of Forbes has suggested that the Rockets could trade the No. 10 overall pick. He also named Durant as a possible trade target for Houston.
"Keep a close eye on the Rockets potentially trading the No. 10 overall pick," Sidery wrote. "Already armed with a deep young core, using the pick for a player like Kevin Durant seems like a home run scenario. Suns GM Brian Gregory mentioned their emphasis moving forward is player development."
Durant would become the legitimate No. 1 scorer the Rockets desperately needed in the playoffs. He averaged 26.6 points per game this season, shooting 52.7% from the floor and 43% from 3-point range. In addition, he also chipped in six rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Along with the No. 10 pick, Houston has plenty of young players who could be included in a trade package. Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Cam Whitmore are all quality young talents to keep an eye on.
Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant.
© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
NBA insider Marc Stein also connected two other teams as possible Durant trade suitors. Both the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves were suggested as options.