The Houston Rockets have been involved in various trade rumors this offseason and it looks like they may be gearing up to add a bonafide superstar in the near future. According to NBA insiders Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Rockets already have a list of potential trade targets that includes Zion Williamson, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell.
“So, who are the Rockets interested in as franchise centerpiece material? League sources say that Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell (who is 27 and widely expected to sign an extension with the Cavs soon), the Suns’ Devin Booker (also 27), and New Orleans’ Zion Williamson (23) would all fit the bill. The only problem, of course, is that none of them are expected to be available anytime soon.”
The Rockets’ plans to expedite their rebuild were exposed when it was revealed they wanted Kevin Durant. The 2x champion, who turns 36 in December, would be an instant upgrade for the Rockets, who recently acquired multiple picks from the Brooklyn Nets.
In recent days, however, the narrative has started to shift. The latest rumblings indicate that the Rockets have shifted their focus to another potentially disgruntled young star: Devin Booker. Booker, a 4x All-Star, averaged 27.1 points per game in the 2023-24 season and he’s spent his entire 9-year career with the Suns.
While he remains devoted and committed to this team, he can’t help it if the Suns decide to opt for a fresh start and trade him on a whim. With four years and $200+ million left on his deal, it will take a trade for him to leave the Suns anytime soon but it seems nothing is off the table for a team teetering on the edge.
Zion Williamson might be a more realistic target, but he also comes with way more risk. The Pelicans swingman has barely been on the court in recent years and concerns about his weight and conditioning have not gone unheard.
Still, despite his flaws, Zion is an ideal target for the Rockets — at the right price. The 2x All-Star is coming off the 2023-24 campaign averaging 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 57.0% shooting. If he can deliver one healthy season for the Rockets, they could make a serious run in the West by pairing his size and athleticism with the versatility of key players like Alperen Sengun.
Unlike Booker and Zion, Donovan Mitchell has been circulating in trade rumors for months now. The 27-year-old sharpshooter has a $37 million player option for the 2025-26 season and the Cavaliers might be forced to trade him before then if they feel that he is unlikely to return.
For now, we don’t know which way Donovan is leaning but it’s fair to see he is growing restless with his current situation with the Cavs. With a package of picks that they just received from the Nets, the Rockets could offer the Cavs a chance at a head-start on their rebuild.
In return, the Rockets could become a true contender in the West with Mitchell, Sengun, and Jalen Green leading the way. With solid role players that include Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets would be set with star power, depth, and versatility at almost every position.
This summer, we have yet to see any major, league-shifting trades but the Rockets could very well change that. We saw last season how effective it was to add proven veterans to the roster. They jumped from 14th to 11th in the West and they could take an even bigger leap with some additional upgrades to their top-end talent.
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