Rockets are still expected to make a big splash in trading

The Houston Rockets have arrived; After starting to put the league on the map with a .500 (41-41) record last season, the Rockets were one of the association’s best teams entering the 2024-25 season. After a thrilling win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, the Rockets currently boast a 15-6 record that currently places them in second place in the Western Conference standings.

After all the noise surrounding the Rockets’ potential move on the trade market, with players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Jimmy Butler being linked to Houston, they showed early in the season that they have what it takes to be a legitimate contender be as currently constructed. But according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, “There is skepticism among NBA executives across the league that Houston won’t try to land a big-name star at some point.”

In fact, Scotto wrote that “the Rockets’ breakout start to the season gives them even more flexibility when deciding who will remain part of their young core moving forward.” And at this point, it’s becoming increasingly clear who the key players in Houston’s future will be.

Alperen Sengun continues to be a driving force at the center of all of the Rockets’ offensive activities, and Sengun has actually done a good job of improving his defense; It’s no coincidence that the Rockets have the association’s second-best defense in terms of points allowed per 100 possessions.

Amen Thompson and Tari Eason are considered future starters with potential to perhaps develop into All-Stars in the future. Their defense on the wings makes them a perfect match for Sengun.

That leaves Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. as potential trade candidates for the future, but the Rockets are in no rush anyway considering their incredible performance of late.

Will the Rockets trade away Jalen Green?

Jalen Green is a valued member of the Rockets’ young core, that’s for sure. But the Rockets also keep Green on a leash. Ime Udoka tended to bench Green whenever he needed more defense and work rate on the court, and it’s not like Green was consistent enough on offense to overlook his mistakes on defense.

However, according to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Rockets have “long believed in Green and his potential,” and his three-year, $106 million contract extension reflects that. They’ll give Green as many chances as possible to reach what the Rockets believe is an All-Star-level ceiling, so it looks like he’s safe from trade talks — for now.