The Houston Rockets are back in the mix-and not just as a feel-good rebuild story. They’re winning, they’re feared, and they’re playing with the kind of edge that makes you think they could make real noise in the playoffs.
But with the February 5 trade deadline creeping closer, the same urgency that powered their rise could become the thing that knocks them off course. The danger isn’t in standing pat-it’s in panicking.
Let’s rewind for a second. After years of collecting assets, developing young talent, and playing the long game, Houston made its move this past offseason.
The blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant wasn’t just bold-it was a declaration. Suddenly, the Rockets weren’t just building for the future.
They were playing for now. And so far, it’s working.
At 27-16, they’re sitting fourth in the Western Conference, holding their own in arguably the NBA’s toughest battleground.
Durant has been everything they hoped for-and maybe more. He’s averaging 26.3 points per game and still drawing the kind of defensive attention that warps opposing schemes.
His presence has opened up the floor in a way that’s elevated the entire offense. With him on the court, the Rockets have become a nightmare matchup, especially on the glass, where they lead the league with 49 boards per game.
Smaller lineups don’t stand a chance.
But this isn’t just about Durant. Alperen Sengun has taken a leap that’s impossible to ignore.
He’s putting up 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game-numbers that only scratch the surface of his impact. Sengun has become one of the most creative offensive hubs in the league, a big with the kind of vision, touch, and timing that makes defenses scramble.
Together, he and Durant form a two-man game that can slice through just about any playoff coverage.
Still, the road hasn’t been smooth. The Rockets took a huge hit in training camp when Fred VanVleet tore his ACL.
Losing your starting point guard before the season even tips off is a brutal blow, especially when that player is your primary floor general. But instead of folding, Houston got creative.
They leaned into their youth and athleticism-and Amen Thompson answered the call.
Thompson’s role expanded overnight, and he didn’t blink. He’s averaging 18.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
He’s been a defensive terror, guarding multiple positions with the kind of energy and instincts that scream All-Defensive Team. He’s become the glue guy, the tone-setter, and the spark plug all rolled into one.
Even with all that momentum, there’s one stat that’s hard to ignore: the Rockets rank 29th in assist percentage. That’s a red flag, especially come playoff time, when possessions slow down and ball movement becomes the difference between a clean look and a contested prayer.
It’s why Houston is exploring the trade market for guard help. But there’s a fine line between addressing a need and overcorrecting.
And that’s where things get tricky.
According to league sources, the Rockets have been active-very active. They’ve reportedly reached out to nearly half the league, searching for backcourt stability.
Big names like Darius Garland, James Harden, and LaMelo Ball have popped up in speculation. More realistic targets include Ayo Dosunmu, Jose Alvarado, and Tre Jones.
But here’s where the alarm bells start ringing: opposing teams aren’t just offering veterans. They’re asking for Amen Thompson.
They’re asking for Tari Eason. And that’s where this could all go sideways.
Let’s walk through the nightmare scenario: Houston sends out Thompson, Eason, and multiple first-round picks in exchange for a high-priced, stopgap veteran guard. On paper, it looks like a solution. In reality, it’s a step backward.
1. Gutting the core-now and later
Thompson isn’t just a promising young player. He’s essential.
He’s the only guy on the roster who can credibly defend elite guards, wings, and even some small-ball bigs. He’s the defensive safety net that covers for Durant’s aging legs.
Losing him would leave a hole no veteran guard can fill.
And Eason? He’s the heartbeat.
His physicality, rebounding, and defensive chaos are baked into Houston’s identity. When he’s on the floor, things happen-loose balls get recovered, second-chance points get created, and the energy level spikes.
Together, Thompson and Eason are the connective tissue between the Rockets’ stars and their system.
2. Creating a new problem by fixing an old one
Here’s the twist: if VanVleet returns in time for the playoffs, Houston could suddenly find itself with a crowded, expensive backcourt. That’s not a rotation-it’s a logjam.
And the cost of solving a temporary issue would be losing the very pieces that give this team its edge. The Rockets would be left top-heavy, with diminished depth at the wing-the most valuable real estate in postseason basketball.
3. Risking a culture crash
This team doesn’t just win with talent. It wins with effort, chemistry, and buy-in.
Thompson and Eason are the emotional engine. They’re the guys diving for loose balls, hyping teammates from the bench, and setting the tone when the stars sit.
Trading both for a short-term fix doesn’t just weaken the rotation-it risks fracturing the locker room.
Championship teams aren’t just built on skill. They’re built on trust. And this trade would break it.
Here’s the thing: Houston doesn’t need to panic. Durant gives them a legitimate shot right now.
But Thompson, Eason, and Sengun are the reason that window doesn’t slam shut after one season. Trading that balance for a quick fix doesn’t just shorten the window-it could close it altogether.
The Rockets already have internal solutions. They’ve got lineup flexibility, defensive versatility, and multiple playmakers who can share the load.
What they need are tweaks, not overhauls. Minor upgrades, not seismic swings.
This team is close-close enough that the wrong move could derail everything. The front office’s vision has been validated.
Their patience has paid off. Houston belongs in the contender conversation.
But now comes the hard part: resisting the urge to chase the perfect trade.
If the Rockets stay the course, they’re dangerous. If they overreact, they risk undoing years of smart, disciplined work.
In February, the smartest teams don’t chase headlines. They protect their foundation-and Houston’s is stronger than it’s been in years.