Multiple teams have already expressed some level of interest in acquiring the Rockets‘ No. 4 overall pick, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
It remains to be seen just how much value that pick will have and whether it would be enough to be the centerpiece of a deal for an impact player, Iko writes. Because the draft is perceived to have a drop-off after No. 3, Houston is also considering whether it would be possible to move up into the top three with a package centered around the Nos. 4 and 20 overall picks, league sources tell Iko.
If the Rockets keep their lottery pick and there are no surprises in the top three, Overtime Elite wing Amen Thompson could be the player atop Houston’s board, according to Iko, who says that several people within the organization are high on Thompson. Iko hears that both Amen and his twin brother Ausar Thompson had positive interviews with the team at last week’s combine.
No matter what happens with the No. 4 pick, the Rockets intend to be aggressive in their pursuit of veterans this offseason, with a desire to improve their play-making, shooting, and defense, Iko adds. League sources tell The Athletic that James Harden is Houston’s top free agent target, with Brook Lopez, Dillon Brooks, Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Clarkson, Cameron Johnson, and Austin Reaves among the other players the team may pursue.
Acquiring an established point guard will be a primary objective for Houston this summer, per Iko, so if they miss out on Harden, the Rockets could explore a trade for a veteran like Mike Conley or Chris Paul.
Here’s more out of Houston:
- New Rockets head coach Ime Udoka recently traveled to Los Angeles to visit with Jalen Green, says Iko. That time spent with Green – which included workouts and a dinner – is part of Udoka’s efforts to get to know his new team before the fall. “I’ve gotten the chance to spend a lot of time with the players. Got some lunches, dinner, gym time with guys,” Udoka told Iko. “Also been busy putting together a staff, getting to know everybody, but the most important thing is to spend time with the guys, build a relationship with them, and I’ve done quite a bit of that.”
- Speaking of Udoka’s staff, Iko reports that assistant coaches Lionel Hollins and Rick Higgins aren’t expected to be back with the Rockets next season. However, it’s unclear whether or not Mahmoud Abdelfattah – another assistant under Stephen Silas – will return. Abdelfattah was part of the Rockets’ contingent at last week’s combine and has frequently been at the club’s facility since the end of the season, sources tell The Athletic.
- The Rockets could be the long-term winners of the blockbuster trade that sent Harden to Philadelphia and Ben Simmons to Brooklyn, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Houston controls the Nets’ first-round picks from 2024-27 (either outright or via swaps) and may be in position to steal Harden away from the Sixers this offseason.
Rockets target Austin Reaves
at 4 years $120mm?
Harden and Reaves back court
Trade Green and Porter for forwards
That is terrible, no.
He can only be offered 4yrs/98mil by another team so this is impossible.
Why do you post here?
$30M for Reaves? More than Brunson? That’s funny.
Well if their smart they’ll call the C’s because there’s a good chance Brown ,Smart and G.Williams will be available and the 4th pick could be a part of any deal
Celtics won’t like the Rockets offer for Brown
Green, Sungun, salary and 2 Nets Firsts for Brown
Doesn’t have to be Brown they could package a deal with Smart, Williams and anyone else but the j’s
According to NBAcentral
Rockets want Chris Paul
Rockets will be in the play in if not better next year
Ime will be out to prove he is that coach. Reeves is going to get paid.
They just drafted an elite wing in Jalen Green 2 years ago. The Rockets secretly shopped him at the trade deadline.
Look for him and Ayton to wind up in the eastern conference somewhere together.
Orlando would be ideal for both.
If it was a secret, how do you know?
If Jalen Green played for Bucks, Celtics or 76ers last year, he will not have much trade value.
This will get heat…. but I’d like to see Houston try and make a play for Trae Young. Offensive he’s one of the best established PGs in the league and his game would match much better with Green and co than it did with Murray.
I agree he has no D but Green showed he had the ability to defend under good structures and coaching as did the other kids. So why not Young, They have the assets to do it and keep Green. It would be a better option than an aging Harden who if he returns has no interest in winning on a giant bad contract.
Harden. No. Just no.