Rockets in 'Unique Position' in Trade Market

The Houston Rockets could be big players on the trade market.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 13, 2024

Mar 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates with guard Fred VanVleet (5) after a play during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are getting ready to compete and contend for a spot in the playoffs in the Western Conference next season.

ESPN writer Kevin Pelton believes the Rockets have the potential to make a big splash very soon.

"For now, the Rockets are in a unique position. They lead the NBA with eight players on rookie contracts, yet unlike the teams in a similar position (Detroit and Washington, with seven), Houston is in contention for a play-in spot right now. With the hiring of Udoka in 2023, the additions in free agency and a number of promising draft picks, the Rockets nailed Phase 2 of their rebuild," Pelton writes. "The decisions Houston makes over the next year will determine whether Phase 3 can be as successful, with ripple effects felt throughout the league."

Back when the Rockets traded with the Nets for future draft assets held by the Phoenix Suns, it was reported that Houston was looking to possibly make a deal for Kevin Durant or Devin Booker. While it may not be those two who are eventually traded in a blockbuster deal, the Rockets are set to emerge as players to be the next big buyer.

If the Rockets make the right move, it could net them the biggest reward of all: a championship.

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Published Sep 13, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.