The Houston Rockets are looking to stake their claim at the top of the West, and one more big deal could do just that.
Last season was a milestone for the Rockets, making the playoffs for the first time after four years in the lottery. While the Rockets managed to earn the second seed in the West, their first-round exit left a sour finish to the season.
So, Houston opted to make a big swing and add Kevin Durant this offseason. While Durant’s addition certainly gives the Rockets a better chance to win a title, one more move could turn Houston into the championship favorite.
Pairing KD with his former star teammate
In a recent article from Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes named the Rockets’ 2027 and 2029 picks from the Phoenix Suns as some of the most valuable trade chips in the league. Hughes also suggested that the Rockets should send those picks back to Phoenix to land another star.
Rockets receive: Devin Booker
Suns receive: Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, 2027 first-round pick (via PHX), 2029 first-round pick (via PHX)
For the Rockets, this deal would be a no-brainer. Houston uses its valuable firsts to turn its starting point guard and backup center into an All-NBA star.
While Booker has committed his future to the Suns, he will be eligible for trade in January, and if the Suns’ season isn’t going great and the Rockets still feel a step behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, this could be a deadline deal for the ages.
Meanwhile, the Suns would get their picks back to begin a full rebuild, while doing their star a favor and sending Booker to a contender.
