The Houston Rockets didn’t just make noise this offseason - they detonated the NBA landscape. In a blockbuster seven-team trade, they landed two major pieces: Kevin Durant and Clint Capela.
That alone would’ve been enough to shift the Western Conference power balance, but Houston didn’t stop there. They added veteran wings Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie, and re-signed a solid group of role players including Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, and Fred VanVleet.
The message is clear: the Rockets are all-in, and they’re not done yet.
With the trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, Houston is still hunting - and their biggest target is a point guard. That need was magnified when VanVleet tore his ACL just before the season tipped off.
The injury left a major hole at the top of the offense and forced head coach Ime Udoka to shuffle his rotation. Amen Thompson, the 6-foot-8 rookie with a sky-high ceiling, has stepped into the lead guard role admirably.
But Thompson’s versatility is better utilized at the two or three, where his size and athleticism can create mismatches. Rookie Reed Sheppard has also shown flashes, especially as a shooter, but his inexperience and defensive limitations make it tough to lean on him heavily in a playoff push.
So, yes - the Rockets need a point guard. And they’ve got the tools to go get one.
VanVleet’s contract is large enough to anchor a trade for a high-level starter or even an All-Star. Add in Houston’s war chest of draft picks and young talent, and you’ve got one of the most flexible, aggressive trade packages in the league.
The good news? There’s no shortage of available point guards this year.
Trae Young has already been moved to Washington, but other names are still floating out there. Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball headline the list of potential difference-makers. Then there’s a second tier of scoring guards - Anfernee Simons, Coby White, Immanuel Quickley - who could each provide a serious offensive spark.
Let’s start with Morant. His talent is undeniable.
He’s one of the most explosive downhill guards in the league, a relentless rim attacker who can collapse defenses and create chaos. But his off-court issues have clouded his future in Memphis.
Multiple suspensions and a recent locker room dust-up with teammate Vince Williams have only added to the speculation that a change of scenery might be best for both sides.
Houston could be the right landing spot. With Durant spacing the floor and Alperen Sengun emerging as one of the league’s most creative big-man facilitators, Morant’s ability to slash and finish would be a perfect complement.
Defensively, he’s not a stopper - but Udoka’s system doesn’t require him to be. With long, switchable defenders like Thompson, Finney-Smith, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason around him, Morant could be covered up on that end while still bringing his offensive firepower to the table.
And if the Grizzlies are ready to move on, the price might not be as steep as you’d expect. We just saw Young get traded for a surprisingly light return. If Morant is available for a similar package, Houston - with its depth and assets - is in prime position to pounce.
Then there’s Ball. While Charlotte hasn’t made it clear they’re ready to move their franchise centerpiece, the fit in Houston is intriguing.
Ball is a tall, gifted passer who thrives in transition - a perfect match for a Rockets team that wants to run and has athletic finishers all over the floor. His ability to stretch the defense and make plays with the ball in his hands would elevate Houston’s half-court offense, which has looked a bit stagnant in recent weeks.
Even if the Rockets can’t land a star like Morant or Ball, there are other viable options. Simons brings microwave scoring and shooting.
White has evolved into a steady two-way guard. Quickley is a spark plug with a growing offensive arsenal.
Any of them would give Houston a needed jolt as they gear up for a playoff run.
The Rockets have built a roster with championship aspirations. They’ve got the star power in Durant.
They’ve got a rising frontcourt star in Sengun. They’ve got depth, versatility, and defensive toughness.
What they don’t have - yet - is a floor general who can tie it all together.
That could change in the next two weeks. And if it does, don’t be surprised if Houston goes from a team with big offseason headlines to one making serious postseason noise.