The Houston Rockets have turned heads early this season with their 10-4 record, positioning themselves as a surprise contender in the Western Conference. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership under coach Ime Udoka, they’ve found their rhythm on both ends of the floor. But staying competitive in the West is a grind, and the Rockets have the assets to make a splash if needed.
Adding fuel to the fire are the struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks, leading to whispers about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future. While landing the Greek Freak might be a stretch, the Rockets are in a great spot to explore both realistic and blockbuster targets to elevate their roster.
The Realistic Targets
Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Offer For Jimmy Butler: Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX)
Jimmy Butler’s future with the Heat is starting to look a little shaky. He’s in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with a player option for 2025-26. The Heat are off to a sluggish 5-7 start this season, and while they’re not in full panic mode yet, it’s clear that this roster isn’t clicking like they hoped. They’ve got a backcourt duo of Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, but neither of them is a natural playmaker. What the Heat really need is a true floor general to take some pressure off those two, and Fred VanVleet would be perfect for the job.
VanVleet hasn’t put up flashy numbers this year, averaging 13.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds with the Rockets, but he brings a steady hand and playoff experience—exactly the kind of guard the Heat could use to stabilize their offense. Throw in Tari Eason, a 22-year-old two-way forward averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, and suddenly the Heat are getting a package that balances win-now help with future upside. And of course, the 2027 first-round pick from the Suns is a nice cherry on top, whether the Heat want to keep it or flip it later.
Now, let’s talk about the Rockets’ side of things. They’re one of the biggest surprises in the league this year, sitting at 10-4 and looking way more competitive than anyone expected. The young core is thriving, but if the Rockets want to make a serious playoff run, they’re missing that veteran superstar who can take over in crunch time. That’s where Butler comes in.
Jimmy might not be putting up MVP-caliber numbers right now—he’s averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists—but his impact goes beyond the box score. He’s one of the best two-way players in the game, a proven leader, and someone who has dragged a team to the Finals before. The Rockets have a ton of talent, but Butler would bring the experience and toughness they need to take the next step. Plus, imagine him alongside Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. That’s a squad nobody would want to face in the playoffs.
The Rockets would also be taking a calculated risk here. Butler can become a free agent this offseason if he declines his player option, so the Rockets would have to be confident they can convince him to stick around. But even if it’s just for this year, adding a player of Butler’s caliber would signal to the league—and to their young guys—that the Rockets are serious about winning right now.
For the Heat, this deal makes sense if they decide Butler’s timeline no longer matches theirs. VanVleet fills a glaring need, Eason is a promising piece, and the pick adds flexibility. For the Rockets, it’s about swinging for the fences. If they believe Butler is the guy who can push them from being a feel-good story to a legit contender, this trade is a no-brainer.
Damian Lillard
Potential Trade Offer For Damian Lillard: Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2030 First-Round Pick
The Bucks are in a tough spot this season. After trading for Damian Lillard in a blockbuster deal last year, the team was expected to dominate the East this time. Instead, they’ve stumbled to a 4-9 start, raising major questions about their roster. Lillard has done his part offensively, averaging 26.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, but it hasn’t translated to wins. Their defense, once the team’s backbone, has taken a huge step back, and the supporting cast around Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo has looked shaky at best.
This disappointing start has reignited speculation about Giannis’ future. The Bucks’ superstar has made it clear that his loyalty comes with one condition: the team must be a consistent championship contender. With their current struggles, that’s starting to look like a tall order. Giannis has been vocal about his desire to win above all else, and if the Bucks can’t fix things soon, there’s a very real chance he could request a trade. The idea of losing Giannis might sound unthinkable, but Milwaukee’s current trajectory makes it more plausible by the day.
If Giannis were to leave, it would almost certainly signal the end of this Bucks core. That’s where a deal involving Lillard comes in. If the Bucks decide to hit the reset button, trading Lillard could jumpstart a rebuild. The Rockets have the assets to make a Damian Lillard trade happen. Put three first-round picks—2027 and 2029 from the Suns, plus their 2030 pick—and it’s a package that could reshape the Bucks’ future.
For the Rockets, adding Lillard would be a massive statement. They’ve already exceeded expectations this season, but Lillard’s presence would turn them into a legitimate contender in the West. His scoring, leadership, and clutch play would elevate their talented young core to another level.
Meanwhile, for the Bucks, this trade would represent a full commitment to a rebuild. Lillard’s age and massive contract don’t align with a team starting from scratch, but VanVleet, Eason, and three first-round picks would give them the foundation to rebuild quickly. It would also signal to Giannis—and the rest of the league—that the Bucks are ready to move on from this core if it can’t deliver.
This move wouldn’t be easy for either side, but it makes sense for where both teams are right now. The Rockets are ready to win, and the Bucks might have to accept that their window with this core has closed.
Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Offer For Brandon Ingram: Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHX), 2028 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram is putting up solid numbers this season, averaging 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists through 14 games. He’s been efficient too, shooting 47% from the field and 36.9% from three. But the situation with the Pelicans isn’t exactly rosy right now. They’re sitting at 4-10, struggling to find any kind of consistency, and the pressure is mounting to figure out their future.
Ingram’s in the final year of his deal, making $36 million, and there’s been chatter about him wanting a four-year extension worth close to $200 million. That’s a massive commitment for a team that hasn’t looked like a real contender. The fit with Zion Williamson has always been a little awkward, with both players needing the ball to be at their best. And with the Pelicans underperforming, there’s a real question about whether it’s time to shake things up.
For the Rockets, this trade could be a huge win. They’ve shocked everyone with their start, and adding a player like Ingram could push them to the next level. His scoring ability, versatility, and experience would fit perfectly alongside their young core.
On the Pelicans’ side, this deal could help them reset. Dillon Brooks has been fantastic for the Rockets this year, averaging 12.6 points while shooting a career-high 39.6% from three. He’d bring defense, toughness, and some much-needed edge to a Pelicans team that’s missing 7 rotational players due to injuries. Steven Adams adds a reliable big man presence and is on an expiring deal, giving the Pelicans flexibility. And let’s not forget the two first-round picks (2027 via Phoenix and 2028), which are golden for a team trying to figure out its direction.
Trading Ingram wouldn’t be easy for the Pelicans, but keeping him without a clear path to contention might be riskier. Moving him now gives them valuable assets while avoiding the possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency.
For the Rockets, it’s about going all-in. They’ve already surpassed expectations, and adding a star like Ingram would show they’re serious about competing now. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way for both sides.
The Unrealistic Targets
Kevin Durant
Potential Trade Offer For Kevin Durant: Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Aaron Holiday, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Kevin Durant is still doing KD things, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through nine games this season. The Suns are off to a decent 9-5 start, sitting fifth in the West, but they’ve been far from dominant. Their big three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal haven’t had much time together thanks to Beal’s back issues and general injuries across the roster. Even with Durant balling out, depth and defense are already big question marks for the Suns.
For the Rockets, the idea of landing Durant isn’t exactly new. Back in the offseason, there were whispers about the Rockets targeting big names like KD to speed up their rebuild, especially after being so close to the postseason. Now, the Rockets might feel like they’re just one superstar away from crashing the contender party in the West. And let’s be honest, there’s no better guy to turn a good team into a great one than Durant.
But let’s not kid ourselves—this trade is a total long shot. The Suns are all-in on trying to win now, and moving Kevin Durant would basically blow up their entire plan. Yeah, the Rockets’ offer has some good pieces—but the Suns aren’t trading Durant unless he straight-up asks for it, and he hasn’t done that.
For the Rockets, though, the fit is too good to ignore. Durant would immediately turn this young, exciting team into a legit contender. He’d take all the pressure off Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun and give the Rockets the kind of star power they haven’t had since James Harden. The only problem is convincing the Suns to give him up—and that’s just not happening right now.
Kawhi Leonard
Potential Trade Offer For Kawhi Leonard: Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Aaron Holiday, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL)
The Clippers are sitting at 7-7 right now, but let’s be real—it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Kawhi Leonard is dealing with knee inflammation and is out indefinitely (again), which has been a recurring nightmare for this team. When Kawhi plays, he’s still a top-tier two-way force, but keeping him on the floor has been the Clippers’ biggest challenge since he arrived. With Paul George gone after signing with the 76ers in the offseason, it feels like this version of the Clippers is running out of gas.
The bigger issue for the Clippers is their future—or lack of one. Back in 2019, they went all-in on the Paul George trade, sending a treasure chest of picks to the Thunder to pair him with Kawhi. Fast forward to now, and they don’t have another first-round pick until 2030. If this team can’t contend with Kawhi on the court, trading him might be their best shot at restocking their cupboard and building for the future.
For the Rockets, this would be a massive swing, and adding Kawhi would make them a legitimate title threat. Even with the injury concerns, Leonard is a proven winner and someone who could take this young team to the next level. His defensive skills and ability to score in clutch moments would make him the perfect piece alongside Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet.
The trade package gives the Clippers a lot to work with. Dillon Brooks is having one of his best seasons, Jabari Smith Jr. offers huge potential as a young forward, and Steven Adams is a rock-solid presence in the paint that expires after the season. The three first-round picks are the real prize here, giving the Clippers the assets they desperately need to rebuild after years of pushing their chips all in.
Still, it’s hard to see this trade going down. Kawhi’s health makes him a gamble, and the Clippers might hold onto him just to see if he can turn things around when (or if) he gets back on the court. For the Rockets, the upside is undeniable, but it’s a big risk to bet on Kawhi’s body holding up. As fun as it is to imagine, this feels more like a dream scenario than a realistic move.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Potential Trade Offer For Giannis Antetokounmpo: Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHX), 2028 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
The whispers around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future just won’t go away, and the Bucks’ underwhelming season so far hasn’t helped. While Giannis has been his usual dominant self, averaging 32.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists through 12 games, the team doesn’t look like the championship contender it once was. The chemistry between Giannis and Damian Lillard hasn’t fully clicked, and the Bucks are facing real questions about whether this roster is built to compete at the highest level.
The real problem for the Bucks isn’t just their on-court struggles—it’s the long-term picture. Giannis hasn’t been shy about putting pressure on the franchise, openly saying this past offseason that he’s only staying if the team can continue to compete for titles. While the addition of Lillard was supposed to be a signal of their commitment, it hasn’t exactly translated to success yet. If things don’t turn around soon, it’s not crazy to think Giannis might ask out, especially with teams like the Rockets lurking, ready to pounce.
For the Rockets, trading for Giannis would be the ultimate home run swing. He’s a generational talent who can dominate on both ends of the floor and single-handedly turn a team into a contender. Adding him to their young, exciting core would instantly make the Rockets one of the scariest teams in the league. The proposed package includes key pieces like Jabari Smith Jr., a promising young forward, and Cam Whitmore, plus multiple first-round picks—exactly the type of assets the Bucks would need to rebuild if they hit the reset button.
But here’s the catch: the Bucks are extremely unlikely to move Giannis unless he forces their hand. Even with their struggles, he’s the face of the franchise and arguably the most important player in team history. Trading him would be a last resort, and right now, Milwaukee still seems focused on trying to make things work. Until Giannis himself makes a move, this trade feels like more of a pipe dream than anything else.
