Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Guard Depth, Veteran Leadership, and the Big Man Question
It’s that time of year again-NBA trade season is in full swing, and the Houston Rockets are squarely in the rumor mill. With a roster that’s shown promise but still has clear areas for improvement, the front office has decisions to make. The Rockets aren’t in desperate need of a blockbuster, but a few calculated moves could sharpen their trajectory down the stretch.
Let’s break down some of the names being floated and what they could mean for Houston’s playoff push.
Coby White: A Dynamic Backcourt Boost
Let’s start with the most intriguing name linked to the Rockets-Coby White.
White is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 19.0 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting a solid 37.0% from three. He’s not a pure point guard, but he’s more than capable of handling the ball, creating off the dribble, and spacing the floor. That’s exactly the kind of skill set that could complement Alperen Şengün’s playmaking from the post and take some pressure off the Rockets’ young guards, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, who are still finding their rhythm.
The fit makes basketball sense. But then comes the business side.
White is on an expiring contract, which means the Rockets would be looking at a potential rental. A trade package might include someone like Dorian Finney-Smith-whose contract lines up-and a heavily protected first-round pick.
That’s a steep price for a short-term boost, especially for a front office that’s been cautious with its long-term assets. It doesn’t feel like the kind of move GM Rafael Stone typically makes.
Still, if Houston decides it’s time to take a real swing at a playoff run, White could be the kind of spark plug who helps them get there.
Jose Alvarado: Low-Risk, Low-Ceiling Option
If White is the high-upside play, Jose Alvarado is the opposite-a steady, scrappy guard who won’t cost much but also won’t drastically shift the team’s ceiling.
Alvarado’s numbers-12.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per 75 possessions-are respectable. He edges out Aaron Holiday in a few advanced metrics, including Box Plus/Minus (-2.2 vs.
Holiday’s -2.6), and brings a defensive tenacity that’s hard to teach. If the Rockets could land him for a couple of second-round picks, it’s a smart depth move.
But that’s where the conversation ends. Alvarado isn’t likely to leapfrog Holiday in the rotation, and he won’t solve any of the Rockets’ bigger offensive questions. He’s a plug-and-play piece, not a game-changer.
Chris Paul: The Veteran Wild Card
Here’s where things get interesting-and complicated.
Chris Paul is nearing the end of his career, and the Clippers appear ready to move on. If Houston wants him, the price could be as low as Jeff Green in a straight-up swap.
Financially, it works. But the real question is whether Paul still has enough left in the tank to help a young team like the Rockets.
On paper, Paul’s numbers this season are concerning. In 16 games, he averaged just 7.7 points with a 41.3% True Shooting percentage-an efficiency mark that’s well below league average.
He’s not the scorer he once was. But he’s still a maestro in the pick-and-roll and one of the smartest floor generals in the league.
The fit with head coach Ime Udoka could be compelling. Udoka doesn’t sugarcoat things, and Paul has never been shy about holding teammates accountable.
That kind of leadership could be invaluable for a young locker room. If Paul is barking at Sheppard for missing a rotation, there’s a good chance Udoka is nodding in approval.
But if Paul isn’t going to play significant minutes-or if his presence disrupts the development of Houston’s young guards-it’s hard to justify the move, even with the low cost. The upside is there, but so is the risk.
Another Big? Only If He Can Stretch the Floor
Now let’s talk frontcourt.
Before the recent injury to Steven Adams, the idea of trading for another big man in Houston felt unnecessary, even laughable. The Rockets already have a logjam in the frontcourt, and their double-big lineups haven’t exactly lit the world on fire.
But with Adams sidelined, there’s a window-if the right type of big becomes available.
The key here is spacing. Adding another non-shooting big would only clog the lane and stunt the offensive flow that’s been building around Şengün.
But a stretch big? Now we’re talking.
Names like Andre Drummond (yes, he’s shooting threes now), Bobby Portis, or Zach Collins offer a blend of rebounding, size, and shooting touch. These are players who could slide in without disrupting spacing and give Udoka more flexibility in his rotations.
It’s still not a must-make move, but it’s one worth exploring-especially if the price is right.
The Verdict: Measured Moves Over Major Swings
The Rockets are in a good place-not great, but good. They’ve got a young core, a coach with a clear identity, and a front office that’s shown patience. That doesn’t mean they should stand pat at the deadline, but it does mean they don’t need to force anything.
Coby White would bring a jolt of offensive energy. Chris Paul could offer veteran leadership and floor generalship.
Jose Alvarado is a low-cost insurance policy. And a stretch big could help fill the void left by Adams’ injury.
None of these are slam dunks. But all of them are worth considering.
The Rockets don’t need to make a splash-they just need to make the right ripple.