The NBA offseason is buzzing with excitement, and while Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade saga has wrapped up, the spotlight has shifted to Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard. As free agency looms, the Houston Rockets find themselves right in the thick of the action.
Initially, the Rockets had their eyes on Jaylen Brown, but the Boston Celtics' steep asking price has cooled their interest. However, the door remains open for Kawhi Leonard, who could be a game-changing addition to their roster.
At 35, Leonard may be considered a veteran, but he's coming off a stellar season with the LA Clippers. Averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, Leonard showcased his prowess with impressive shooting splits of 51-39-89. Despite his age, Leonard's performance suggests he's far from slowing down, and his potential move could spark a career renaissance.
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Rockets are reportedly in the mix for Leonard. While there's chatter about Leonard possibly reuniting with former teams like San Antonio and Toronto, Houston remains a viable contender for his talents.
The Rockets have some clear needs this offseason, especially at the point guard and center positions. Their lineup, though bolstered by Kevin Durant, still lacks spacing and a consistent three-point threat.
Leonard could be the answer, easing the burden on the 37-year-old Durant and injecting more on-ball creativity into a defensively focused squad. His ability to score efficiently at all levels and his elite defensive skills would seamlessly integrate into Houston's system.
The real challenge lies in what Houston would need to offer the Clippers to secure Leonard. Alperen Sengun, a promising young center, could be a key piece in the negotiations, potentially pairing with Darius Garland and rookie Keaton Wagler in LA. However, matching salaries and parting with draft picks are crucial elements of this potential blockbuster deal.
Houston does have leverage, with up to five young players of significant value. The decision ultimately hinges on whether the Rockets are willing to part with a substantial package to bring Leonard into the fold. As the offseason unfolds, the Rockets' moves could significantly reshape the NBA landscape.
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Rockets Suddenly Face A Win Now Guard Decision They Can't Duck
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For the Rockets, the appeal is obvious and the hesitation is just as real. Holiday still brings the kind of two-way steadiness contenders trust, and he produced at a high level last season, but he is also 36 with two guaranteed years left on a sizable contract. Houstons decision-making gets even trickier because Fred VanVleet is coming off a serious injury, which makes every win-now guard move feel more consequential than it would in a normal summer. [Read more 🡒]
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The challenge now is less about what Houston has and more about how quickly the rest of the West is changing around it. The Rockets may need their young core to take another step and Fred VanVleet back from injury to steady the group, because a deeper conference could make even a solid season feel a lot harder to protect. [Read more 🡒]
Bruce Thornton Just Put Real Pressure On The Rockets Draft Bet
The Rockets went up eight spots to get Bruce Thornton at No. 31 in the 2026 NBA Draft, betting that the Ohio State guard can be more than just a steady college veteran. Thornton arrives with a reputation for defensive disruption and enough shooting touch to give Houston another option in the backcourt, and he sounded appreciative of the chance while making clear he believes he is ready to help.
For a team that has been searching for more reliable scoring from its bench, Thornton fits the type of swing that can look smart quickly if he adapts to the longer NBA grind. The question now is how fast that transition happens and whether his role settles into a useful scoring lift right away or grows more gradually as he adjusts to the league. [Read more 🡒]