The Houston Rockets have been one of the surprise stories of the NBA season, sitting at 31-17 and holding down the fourth seed in the Western Conference. In the first year of the Kevin Durant era, Houston has found a winning formula - blending veteran star power with a young, energetic supporting cast. But with the trade deadline looming and the West as deep and dangerous as ever, the Rockets may need one more big swing to truly elevate themselves into championship contention.
And that swing? It could mean bringing back two familiar faces: James Harden and Chris Paul.
According to recent trade chatter, there's a scenario on the table that would send Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Harden and Paul. On paper, it’s a blockbuster. In practice, it could be the final piece of the puzzle for a Houston team looking to go from playoff hopeful to title threat.
Let’s break it down.
Why Harden Makes Sense Now
With Fred VanVleet likely sidelined for the rest of the season, the Rockets are currently without a true floor general. Rookie Reed Sheppard has been solid in a sixth-man role, showing flashes of future promise, and the Rockets have playmakers in Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and of course Durant. But none of them are natural facilitators in the way Harden is - the kind of player who can control the tempo, read the floor two steps ahead, and get everyone involved while still being a lethal scorer.
Harden, now averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 35 minutes per game, still has plenty left in the tank. And more importantly, he knows Houston.
This is the city where he blossomed into an MVP, where he carried the franchise through some of its best seasons in recent memory. For all the twists and turns in his career since then, Harden’s connection to Houston has always lingered.
Bringing him back now - with Durant leading the charge and a talented young core behind them - could be the kind of full-circle moment that benefits both sides. Harden gets a familiar environment and a real shot at a ring. The Rockets get the experienced playmaker they need to unlock another level offensively.
What Chris Paul Brings to the Table
While Harden would be the headline, Chris Paul’s potential return shouldn’t be overlooked. At this stage in his career, Paul isn’t the All-NBA floor general he once was, but his value goes beyond the box score.
Paul is a leader - a mentor who’s been through every playoff war imaginable. For a Rockets team with rising talents like Thompson, Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr., having a veteran like CP3 in the locker room could be huge. He brings poise, perspective, and a level of professionalism that can help guide a young team through the pressure of postseason basketball.
And let’s not forget: Paul and Durant have history. They’ve shared the court, they respect each other’s games, and they know what it takes to win at the highest level. Even in a limited on-court role, Paul could be a stabilizing force, especially in tight playoff moments when decision-making and composure are everything.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about timing.
The Rockets have a rare opportunity here: a top-tier roster, a legit superstar in Durant, a rising big man in Sengun, and a core of young talent that’s hungry and improving. But championship windows don’t stay open forever - especially not in the Western Conference, where teams like Denver, Minnesota, and the Clippers are all in win-now mode.
If Houston believes this is their year, then going all-in makes sense. Harden and Paul aren’t just names from the past - they could be the keys to the Rockets’ future, at least for this season.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. If Houston wants to make a serious run, this might be the moment to strike.