Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets reportedly aren't interested in pursuing Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant in a trade this offseason due to his age.

According to Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, if the Rockets are going to add a star to their roster, they want players "whose timelines fit better with their young core."

Amick and Slater noted that the Rockets' lack of interest in the 35-year-old Durant is a case of the organization applying the same logic they did last offseason when they passed on the opportunity to add James Harden despite his interest in returning to Houston.

Amick and Slater also reported that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Suns guard Devin Booker and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson are all potential targets for the Rockets since they are each 27 or younger, but none of the aforementioned teams have shown interest in moving those players.

After being among the worst teams in the league for three consecutive seasons, Houston took a huge leap forward last season, going 41-41 despite playing in the stacked Western Conference.

Veteran free-agent signings in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks played a big role in turning things around, as did the continued development of young players such as Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith.

Houston may be ready to take another step forward and reach the playoffs next season, but even with Durant in the fold, the Rockets would not be a championship team.

Durant is one of the all-time greats with 14 All-Star selections, four scoring titles, two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards and one NBA MVP Award to his credit, and he is coming off yet another strong campaign.

Playing in 75 games last season, which was his most since the 2018-19 season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 three-pointers made and 1.2 blocks per game, resulting in a ninth-place finish in the MVP votings.

However, despite having a core of Durant, Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That led to speculation that the Suns could look to break up their Big Three this offseason, but team governor Mat Ishbia seemed to put the Durant trade rumors to rest on Wednesday with the following post on X:

NBA Draft night is the best. Everyone talking about the drama and storylines, some are right and some are just wrong.
My turn. Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it. Gotta…

— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) June 26, 2024

Ishbia's post suggests that even if the Rockets did have interest in acquiring Durant, the Suns prefer to run it back with their core next season.

With any Durant pursuit seemingly out of the question, the Rockets will likely continue to survey the NBA landscape, waiting for their opportunity to strike on a star player in their 20s who can help keep their championship window open for many years to come.

After restocking their future draft capital in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week, the Houston Rockets are casting a wide net in their search to land a star player.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater, the Rockets are interested in Zion Williamson, Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker if any of them were to become available in a trade.

When the Rockets made the trade with the Nets to acquire three future draft picks, which could all end up originating from the Phoenix Suns, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Houston was "intrigued" by potentially trading for Kevin Durant.

Suns governor Mat Ishbia dismissed any notion that Durant was going to be dealt right now in a post on X:

NBA Draft night is the best. Everyone talking about the drama and storylines, some are right and some are just wrong.
My turn. Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it. Gotta…

— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) June 26, 2024

Amick and Slater noted the Rockets "are only interested in star players whose timelines fit better with their young core." That would not seem to include Durant, who will turn 36 on Sept. 29.

Of the potential trade options for Houston cited by Amick and Slater, Williamson might be the most realistic one by default if the club wants to make a deal sooner than later.

If Ishbia is to be taken at his word, the Suns aren't going to trade Booker since they want to try competing for a title next season. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Wednesday that Mitchell is "widely expected" to sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the coming days.

Most of the trade chatter involving the New Orleans Pelicans has centered around Brandon Ingram, but they are a hard team to figure out. Their 49 wins last season were tied for the second-most in franchise history, but they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Williamson wasn't available for that series due to a hamstring injury suffered in the play-in tournament win over the Sacramento Kings. He played a career-high 70 games during the regular season.

If the Pelicans determine Williamson is too much of an injury risk as he enters the second season of a five-year, $197.2 million contract, they could explore trade options.

The Rockets made strides last season under first-year head coach Ime Udoka. Their additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in free agency, as well as breakout years from Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green, helped the team finish 41-41.

It was the first time Houston has finished with a non-losing record since 2019-20, but the team missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

Ahead of Day 2 of the 2024 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks traded 2022 first-round pick AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks will receive the No. 44 pick of the draft from the Rockets for Griffin.

This is an excellent buy-low move for the Rockets. Griffin was the 16th pick two years ago and will only turn 21 years old on Aug. 25.

For perspective, Griffin is younger than 2024 lottery picks Zach Edey and Devin Carter. He had a promising rookie season with 8.9 points per game on 46.5 percent field-goal shooting (39.0 percent from three) in 72 appearances for the Hawks.

Injuries limited Griffin to just 20 games with the Hawks last season. He also played six games with the College Park Skyhawks in the G League.

There's not a path to immediate playing time for Griffin in Houston. He will open the 2024-25 season behind Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore and Jae'Sean Tate on the depth chart.

Houston could have Griffin open the season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League to get him regular playing time.

It's a bit surprising to see the Hawks, who could enter a rebuild if Trae Young and Dejounte Murray get traded this summer, move on from a talented young player who showed he can play during his rookie season.

But this is an opportunity for Griffin to get a fresh start with a new organization. The second-round pick traded by the Rockets was their only selection in the 2024 draft. Their first-rounder (No. 12 overall) went to the Oklahoma City Thunder stemming from the Chris Paul trade in 2019.

The No. 44 pick is currently Atlanta's only selection in the second round. The Hawks added Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick on Wednesday.

Reed Sheppard is heading to the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets selected Sheppard with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, adding him to a core that includes Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet.

Welcome to Houston, @reed_sheppard!#NBADraft | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/u9RsbpruWJ

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 27, 2024

Rockets are drafting Reed Sheppard at No. 3 🔥

The Kentucky sharpshooter cashed 52% of his threes last year 🎯

(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/K9mkXs3m8J

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2024

Reed Sheppard is off to Houston 🚀

The Kentucky standout is the first college player selected! 😼 #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/G4ts32kuwD

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) June 27, 2024

Fans took to social media to praise Houston on the selection and hoping he can potentially team up with Kevin Durant in the near future.

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Reed Sheppard has had the it-factor for years. First watched him burst onto the scene three years ago, will be a massive get for the Houston Rockets. Lights-out offensive player.

— Jake (@jakeweingarten) June 27, 2024

Can just tell this reed sheppard kid has a good head on his shoulders

— Malcolm Demetrius Booker (@MalcolmDem10409) June 27, 2024

Reed Sheppard should fit in nicely with Houston

— Big Jugo (@Its_Kiirby) June 27, 2024

Rockets draft a BUCKET! 🪣💦pic.twitter.com/KkQhjCQspL

— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) June 27, 2024

Great pick🔥

— Alex Arango (@AArangoX) June 27, 2024

Best shooter in the draft????👀🔥🔥

— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) June 27, 2024

Love to see it!

— SonicsMuse (@SonicsMuse) June 27, 2024

This guy will be a 20 ppg guy soon!!

— Stevo $XRP King 👑 - Stocks & Options (@Stevo_12) June 27, 2024

Great pickup for the squad! We need the shooting and scoring and Sheppard definitely brings that!

— E.K. Johnson (@CoalitionHoops) June 27, 2024

Steal

— KOBY BINEY🇬🇭 (@BineyKoby) June 27, 2024

Rockets getting the best shooter in the draft

— Basketball at All Levels (@BasketballAAL) June 27, 2024

rockets are saved

— omsportsburner (@omsportsburner) June 27, 2024

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Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games for Kentucky in 2023-24. This production came despite him making just five starts for the Wildcats, which shows how he can make an impact off of the bench.

That is the type of player Houston can use as the team is not too far off from contending. It went 41-41 in 2023-24 and finished 11th in the Western Conference. While this extended its playoff drought to four seasons, it was a 19-win improvement from 2022-23 and presents some hope for the future.

With Houston having links to Durant and possessing rights to future Phoenix draft picks, Sheppard could see himself playing alongside some superstar talent as he looks to carve out a role with the Rockets.

The Houston Rockets selected Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, with the third overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Reed Sheppard

Position: SG

Height: 6'3"

Pro Comparison: Kirk Hinrich

Scouting Report: Elite shooting, passing IQ and excellent defensive instincts have scouts willing to look past Sheppard's underwhelming size and athleticism. But he's started to shed the limited role player and connector role with more frequent flashes of creativity, tough finishing and shotmaking off the dribble.

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Rockets Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Reed Sheppard, SG: Rookie-scale contract

Fred VanVleet, PG: $42.8M (2026)

Dillon Brooks, SF: $22.3M (2027)

Steven Adams, C: $12.6M (2025)

Jalen Green, SG: $12.5M (2025)

Jabari Smith Jr., PF: $9.8M (2026)

Amen Thompson, PG: $9.2M (2027)

Jock Landale, C: $8M (2027)

Alperen Şengün, C: $5.4M (2025)

Tari Eason, PF: $3.7M (2026)

Cam Whitmore, SF: $3.4M (2027)

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Free Agents

Jeff Green, PF: Club option

Jae'Sean Tate, SF: Club option

Reggie Bullock, SF: UFA

Boban Marjanović, C: UFA

Aaron Holiday, PG: UFA

Jermaine Samuels, SF: RFA

Jeenathan Williams, SG: RFA

Nate Hinton, SG: RFA

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Rundown

Sheppard averaged 12.5 points on 53.6 percent shooting (52.1 percent from three-point range), 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 steals in 28.9 minutes per game. Understandably, Sheppard's offensive efficiency and defensive playmaking have helped raise his draft profile.

Sheppard's biggest issue is that he ran hot and cold during his lone season at Kentucky. He scored 20 or more points on seven occasions, including a season-high 32 at Mississippi State.

But he also struggled at times, perhaps nevermore than in a first-round loss to Oakland in the NCAA tournament (three points, 1-of-5 shooting).

The talent is clearly there, though, with Sheppard. And growing pains and inconsistency are to be expected from a freshman, especially one playing a power conference schedule.

Ultimately, Houston is getting an exciting player with great two-way potential on the next level. It may take him a while to acclimate to the NBA, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sheppard carving out a long and prosperous career once he gets going.

The Houston Rockets are believed to maintain an interest in Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart as part of a move down the 2024 NBA draft board, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.

Iko reported Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was also floated by one Western Conference executive as a theoretical target for the Rockets, who have the third overall pick.

The Rockets are coming off a 41-41 season. The hiring of head coach Ime Udoka and the signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks had the intended effect of quickly moving the franchise forward following three listless years.

Now, Houston is looking to take another step forward.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on June 15 the team is "open to moving the No. 3 overall pick for a player who can help the franchise win now and elevate to a playoff team and sustainable success as a playoff team going forward."

Appearing on Get Up on Wednesday morning, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the Rockets could aim as high as Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

"[The Houston Rockets] are interested in tempting the Suns to try to trade them Kevin Durant NOW."

—@WindhorstESPN says all eyes should be on the Rockets at tonight's draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/hsYlF1rXqH

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 26, 2024

Smart would obviously be a much less impactful addition, albeit one who would carry a much lower cost as well.

Iko reported on June 20 both Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone are "fans" of the 30-year-old guard, who played under Udoka for a season with the Boston Celtics.

Considering Houston already has Brooks, one could question the sense in adding another veteran who's more of a defensive specialist and struggles to space the floor. Houston ranked 23rd in three-point percentage (35.2), so Smart, a career 32.3 percent three-point shooter, won't help much in that regard.

But the 6'3" guard would certainly add depth to the backcourt and provide plenty of perimeter defense when Fred VanVleet isn't on the floor.

Based on the reporting, Houston is casting a wide net in prospective trades, so the speculation surrounding Smart could come to nothing.

Ahead of the start of the NBA draft on Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets are reportedly drawing trade interest for their No. 3 pick.

The Athletic's Kelly Iko reported that the Charlotte Hornets "continue to express interest in acquiring" the Rockets' first-round selection. Iko added that the Rockets could be open to negotiating with the Hornets, as "one Western Conference executive identified center Mark Williams as someone Houston could have an interest in."

The Hornets own the No. 6 pick in Wednesday's draft. After finishing the 2023-24 season with a 21-61 record and missing the playoffs for the eighth straight year, Charlotte needs to make some major moves if the franchise hopes to turn its fortune around.

The Rockets have already done some wheeling and dealing, as they agreed to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night that gave them draft assets they could use to acquire a star player.

More in deal: Houston acquires 2029 more favorable of Dallas and Phoenix first-round pick and acquires right to swap Houston first-round pick for less favorable Dallas first and Phoenix first, per sources. https://t.co/jUR0f5lSjM

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024

Iko noted that Tuesday's deal is a further indication that the Rockets "are positioning themselves to be power players soon." Iko added that they "still have interest in acquiring a star during this rebuild, team sources said, but age, timeline, contract flexibility—and most importantly, timing—are all factors that will play a part in their search."

Houston finished the 2023-24 season with a 41-41 record, its first time winning more than 25 games or having a record of .500 or better since the 2019-20 campaign. Despite missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the team appears to be headed in the right direction.

If the Rockets choose to hold onto the No. 3 pick, which originally belonged to the Nets, they will have the chance to add a talented young prospect. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his final mock draft that Houston would select Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard third overall.

The Rockets will be a team to keep an eye on during Wednesday's first round and the rest of the offseason, as they finally appear ready to emerge from their rebuild and compete for a playoff spot in 2024-25.

There could potentially be some movement at the top of the 2024 NBA draft.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported that the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockers are "listening to trade offers for their selections" in the first round. The Hawks, Wizards and Rockets own the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 picks, respectively.

O'Connor also reported that the Hawks are targeting UConn center Donovan Clingan but would prefer to move down to select him. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected that Clingan would go No. 6 in the draft in his latest mock draft, so the Hawks might have to find a trade in the top half of the lottery.

Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Reed Sheppard are among the prospects who could go in the top three. The reported availability of the top three selections means some chaos could occur on draft night.

The Hawks are at a crossroads, with players like Dejounte Murray, Trae Young and Clint Capela reportedly on the trade block. Atlanta went 36-46 and lost in the play-in tournament, so the Hawks front office needs to figure out the best path for the future.

The Wizards went 15-67 in the first year of their rebuild and desperately need more young talent. However, their biggest priority with the selection should be getting the highest value possible. A trade may be the best way to do that.

Houston is the closest to contention of the three teams, so moving the pick for a more NBA-ready player could be of great interest. The Rockets went 41-41 last season and finished just outside of the play-in tournament.

The first round of the NBA draft will take place June 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

The market for Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George is heating up.

Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported that the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets maintain interest in George and are franchises to monitor in a potential trade or as a suitor in unrestricted free agency if the nine-time All-Star rejects his player option for 2024-25.

Scotto downplayed the reports that the 76ers' interest in George has cooled, projecting that Philadelphia remains a name to watch if he hits free agency.

"Despite a recent report that Philadelphia's interest in Paul George has cooled amid uncertainty about whether he'd go across the country and sign with Philadelphia in free agency, there remains significant interest from the 76ers in signing him as a free agent, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote.

Scotto also named the Houston Rockets as potential suitors for George, although the chances of Houston landing him are "unlikely."

"The Houston Rockets are big game hunting, and one of the many notable names on their radar is Paul George, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote. "George could potentially exercise his $48.8 million player option to facilitate a trade to his next destination, but currently, the chances of Houston landing George are unlikely, sources said."

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George's player option is for $48 million in 2024-25, and he could hit the open market following that season. While he may instead opt to find the highest bidder this offseason, he could use that as a tool to go to the most desirable location.

In terms of immediate contention, Philadelphia would probably be the preferable landing spot. The 76ers have made the postseason in seven consecutive seasons but have been unable to surpass the second round during that stretch. Adding George, who averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 2023-24, could be what the franchise needs to take that next step.

Houston has missed out on the postseason in four consecutive seasons, but 2023-24 was a step in the right direction as the Rockets improved to 41-41. While he would likely be in a worse situation than he is with the Clippers, the Rockets have a growing core that George could become the centerpiece of.

Before his future can be solidified, George will have to make a decision on the player option. The deadline for that choice is June 29.

The Houston Rockets are reportedly determined to add a star this summer.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported the Rockets are "clearly in win-now mode" and are hoping to add an All-Star to their roster. Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges and Brandon Ingram were mentioned as potential targets, alongside role players like Brook Lopez and Marcus Smart.

Of the stars mentioned, Butler and Ingram appear to be the more attainable targets. The Phoenix Suns are almost certainly not going to explore trading Durant after mortgaging their future to acquire him, and The Athletic's Fred Katz reported the Brooklyn Nets have expressed "zero interest" in trading Bridges.

Butler has seen his name increasingly pop up in rumors since the end of the 2023-24 season. Howard Beck of The Ringer reported executives have been "buzzing" about a Butler trade for months. Butler is reportedly seeking a two-year, $113 million extension, and Heat president Pat Riley has not been shy about allowing aging players to walk in the past.

Riley refused to pay Dwyane Wade in 2016, and Wade is a bonafide franchise icon. Butler has done plenty during his five seasons in Miami, but if Riley was willing to allow Wade to walk, he'll almost certainly explore moving on from Butler rather than risking an overpay.

If the New Orleans Pelicans decide to move on from Ingram, finances will also be a factor. Ingram is heading into the final season of his contract and is eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension. Christian Clark of the Times-Picayune reported Pelicans brass does not want to give Ingram the full max, an understandable position given the fact he hasn't made an All-Star team since 2020 and has plateaued as a player.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin told reporters in April he plans on shaking up the roster, which could mean exploring the market for Ingram.

The Rockets began their push to return to relevancy last offseason, signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in free agency. Neither move was a total home run, but Houston can get out from under VanVleet's contract next summer and Brooks' deal de-escalates as it goes.

Adding a true star without sacrificing any of their foundational pieces could help push Houston back to the playoff picture.