The Houston Rockets have managed to show immediate improvement in the Western Conference, capturing the second seed with an impressive 30-14 record and finding momentum by defeating elite teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back fashion. With a strong core led by Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson, the Rockets are onto something and their future looks very bright.
However, the Rockets are not resting on their laurels and only looking long-term. Head coach Ime Udoka has done a spectacular job by improving the play of his team rather quickly and their defensive identity (4th in defensive rating) continues to be their calling card. The Rockets could be one of the biggest “buyers” in the trade market this season, with the trade deadline less than two weeks away.
We have collected the Rockets’ potential trade targets this season and the group of players will fit the mold of the team in terms of their offensive and defensive identity, and it will be very interesting to see what the team does over the next handful of days.
De’Aaron Fox
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: De’Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Reed Sheppard, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC/PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2028 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL/PHX)
De’Aaron Fox would electrify the Rockets’ offense with his incredible speed, elite scoring ability, and underrated leadership. The 2024-25 season has been a breakout year for Fox, who is averaging 25.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 49.8% shooting from the field.
His ability to attack the rim and knock down clutch shots would elevate Houston’s offensive ranking from 13th (114.2 PPG) to potentially top-10 territory. Pairing Fox with Jalen Green and Amen Thompson would create a backcourt full of athleticism, scoring, and dynamic playmaking.
This trade would come at a steep price, with the Rockets giving up Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, and a treasure chest of first-round picks, but the reward is clear: Fox immediately makes Houston a team nobody wants to face in a playoff series.
Adding Keon Ellis as part of the package gives the Rockets additional depth on the wing and ensures their roster remains well-rounded even after the trade. Fox’s $34.8 million salary this season and $37.1 million next season are hefty, but Houston can afford it given their roster’s construction.
For the Kings, this deal helps reset their roster while gaining significant draft capital. Even if the team has seen an uptick in their play since firing Mike Brown, another poor run over the next few games could be it for Fox in Sacramento. After all, Fox will not sign an extension with the Kings and that means his time could be over very soon.
Dillon Brooks, a strong perimeter defender averaging 14.3 points, gives Sacramento a solid wing replacement. Cam Whitmore offers upside as a long-term building block, and the draft picks give the Kings the flexibility to make additional moves. While it’s difficult to part with a star like Fox, Sacramento could use this trade to reshape their roster for the future.
Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Offer
Rockets receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Cam Whitmore, 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHX)
Acquiring Jimmy Butler would catapult the Rockets into serious championship contention. No matter how ugly he has made the situation in Miami as the Heat are waiting for the best offer available this season, Butler is the ultimate playoff performer, and his leadership would add an edge to a young, talented team.
Despite being 35 years old, Butler remains one of the NBA’s premier two-way players, averaging 21.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.9 steals this season while shooting an efficient 49.7% from the field. His ability to get buckets in crunch time would complement the Rockets’ young stars, who lack playoff experience. Butler’s defensive versatility also aligns perfectly with Ime Udoka’s 4th-ranked defensive system, making him an immediate fit.
Losing Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore would be painful, but this trade solidifies the Rockets’ position as title contenders for the next few seasons. Smith, while promising, hasn’t yet developed into the consistent two-way force that Butler already is.
Meanwhile, Steven Adams provides much-needed salary-matching in the deal but hasn’t played a significant role for Houston, and Dillon Brooks, though a defensive stalwart, is far from the offensive force Butler is. This trade signals the Rockets’ willingness to compete at the highest level immediately, sending a message to the Western Conference.
The Miami Heat, in turn, get younger and add quality assets to retool their roster around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Jabari Smith Jr. (11.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG) is already a double-double threat at just 21 years old, and Cam Whitmore, a recent lottery pick, has flashed potential in limited minutes. Additionally, Dillon Brooks brings toughness and defense, which fits Miami’s culture. This trade would help Miami prepare for life after Butler while keeping them competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Zion Williamson
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX)
If the Rockets want to gamble on a player with potential superstar talent, Zion Williamson is their guy. Despite his injury history and constant trade rumors surrounding him, Williamson is averaging an impressive 22.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 49.2% shooting this season.
His unique combination of size, speed, and power would make Houston a nightmare matchup for any opponent. In Ime Udoka’s defensive scheme, Williamson’s physical presence would bolster an already-elite unit, while his offensive prowess would allow him to dominate in transition and around the rim.
The Rockets would send Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, and Jae’Sean Tate to the Pelicans along with a first-round pick. Losing Smith stings, but Williamson’s upside is simply too great to pass up. The risk lies in Zion’s durability—he’s played at least 65 games once in six seasons—but if he stays healthy, he could turn Houston into a powerhouse.
Pairing Williamson with Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt would create one of the most dominant interior duos in the league, and his playmaking could unlock new opportunities for Jalen Green and Amen Thompson.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, would prioritize rebuilding and finally move on from Zion who was recently suspended for his unprofessional behavior. It is obvious that the big man does not want to be in New Orleans anymore and time is up for him with the Pelicans. By finally trading Zion, they can rebuild around their potential untouchable players and kickstart their fire sale.
Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2029 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Brandon Ingram would give the Rockets a polished scorer and secondary playmaker on the wing, addressing a clear need for consistent offensive production. Ingram is having a frustrating 2024-25 campaign, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range in only 18 games.
Ingram’s ability to create his own shot in isolation and facilitate for others would alleviate pressure on Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Ingram’s offensive versatility makes him a seamless fit for Houston’s system, especially in clutch situations.
The Rockets would have to part with Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, and multiple first-round picks to acquire Ingram. While losing Smith and Whitmore takes away some of Houston’s long-term depth, Ingram is a proven All-Star who fits the team’s win-now approach.
Adding him to a core of Sengun, Green, and Thompson would elevate Houston’s offensive ceiling and provide a legitimate counterpunch against top-tier Western Conference teams like the Nuggets and Thunder.
For the Pelicans, this trade represents a chance to reset their roster and finally start moving on from an extremely ugly campaign. Jabari Smith Jr. offers New Orleans a promising frontcourt piece, while Dillon Brooks brings defensive intensity and leadership.
Cam Whitmore’s upside as a scorer adds intrigue, and the inclusion of first-round picks gives the Pelicans flexibility for future moves. This deal sets New Orleans up for a more balanced and sustainable future.
Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, 2025 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Adding Zach LaVine to the Rockets’ backcourt would give Houston an elite scoring guard to complement Jalen Green. LaVine is averaging 24.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season while shooting 51.2% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.
His ability to score at all three levels would help the Rockets diversify their offense, and his athleticism makes him a dangerous transition threat. With LaVine’s scoring prowess, Houston would have the firepower to compete with the Western Conference’s best teams in high-scoring affairs.
The trade package involves Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, and a 2025 first-round pick, a relatively modest price for a player of LaVine’s caliber. Brooks’ defensive value has been significant for Houston this season, but LaVine’s offensive upside outweighs that loss.
His $43 million salary this season and $46 million next season are significant, but the Rockets’ cap situation allows them to absorb his contract without sacrificing flexibility. LaVine’s ability to play both on and off the ball also makes him a natural fit alongside Amen Thompson, who thrives as a facilitator.
For the Chicago Bulls, this trade allows them to reset their roster by gaining multiple rotation players and a first-round pick. Dillon Brooks gives them a strong defensive presence, while Jae’Sean Tate’s versatility fits well with their existing core. Jeff Green adds veteran leadership to a team likely pivoting toward a rebuild. While losing LaVine signifies a step back for Chicago, this trade positions them to retool their roster for future success.
Robert Williams III
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Steven Adams, 2025 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Robert Williams III would immediately improve the Rockets’ defense, which is why the franchise is seemingly interested in his services right now. Williams is one of the league’s best defensive big men when healthy, averaging 6.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 69.5% from the field in 16 appearances.
His ability to defend the paint and switch to smaller players would elevate Houston’s already strong defensive identity. Williams also provides value on offense with his ability to finish lobs and set hard screens, making him an ideal complement to Houston’s guards.
The proposed deal sends Steven Adams and a 2025 first-round pick to Portland. Adams, while a solid veteran presence, lacks the defensive versatility and upside Williams offers at his age (nearly 32).
This move would also address Houston’s need for a long-term solution at center, allowing Alperen Sengun to focus more on his playmaking and scoring as a power forward. Williams’ $12.4 million salary this season and $13.3 million next season are team-friendly given his impact on both ends of the floor.
For the Trail Blazers, this trade provides a veteran presence in Steven Adams and a valuable first-round pick to aid their rebuild. Adams brings leadership and toughness to a young team, while the draft pick gives Portland additional assets for future moves. The Blazers are prioritizing long-term growth around Scoot Henderson and their other young players, making this a logical move for both teams.
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