The Houston Rockets have emerged as pivotal players in the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Draft following their acquisition of the third overall pick in the lottery.
Armed with a valuable selection and a roster of promising young talent, the Rockets are reportedly gearing up for a significant move in the coming days.
Since the departure of James Harden, Houston has been on a quest to bolster its roster with a marquee player. Under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka, last season saw notable improvement, with the team’s record climbing from 22-60 to a respectable 41-41. Buoyed by this progress, the Rockets’ front office is now eyeing a transformative addition that could elevate them into playoff contention.
According to insights from ESPN’s NBA analyst Jonathan Givony, discussions surrounding the Rockets’ third overall pick have been ongoing for weeks. It’s widely anticipated within NBA circles that Houston will actively shop their top selection throughout the week, with several teams already preparing offers.
Houston has been linked to numerous high-profile names swirling in this summer’s trade rumors, including Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, and Jimmy Butler. However, the Rockets are aware that securing a star player is not guaranteed, even if they decide to part ways with their coveted No. 3 pick. Consequently, another strategy under consideration involves trading down in the draft, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies emerging as interested parties vying to move up.