5 Best Targets For The Houston Rockets Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The Houston Rockets ' 2024 offseason has been a mix of strategic moves and careful planning as they look to improve on their late-season surge from last year. After finishing the 2023-24 season strong with a 17-11 record post-All-Star break, the Rockets have prioritized adding complementary pieces to support their young core. Their most notable draft pick was Reed Sheppard, selected 3rd overall , who brings elite shooting to a team that struggled from beyond the arc last season. With 12 returning players, including their starting five, Houston could be eyeing veterans and stars who can help them make a serious push towards playoff contention.

1. Jimmy Butler

Potential Trade Offer To The Miami Heat: Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Suns/Thunder)

Jimmy Butler has been a cornerstone for the Miami Heat with his leadership, clutch performances, and ability to elevate his game in the playoffs. Yet, the 2023-24 season was challenging for Butler and the Heat. He managed to play in 60 regular-season games, averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, but injuries began to take their toll. Unfortunately, Butler’s season came to an abrupt end due to an injury that kept him out of the playoffs, significantly impacting Miami’s chances as they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics.

With Butler sidelined, the Heat's early playoff exit raised questions about the future of their star player. Butler is set to earn $45 million in the 2024-25 season, and while he remains one of the league’s top competitors, there’s growing speculation that he may not be part of Miami's long-term plans. Reports indicate that Butler has not shown interest in signing a contract extension, which has fueled rumors that he could test free agency after the upcoming season. This development puts Miami in a tough spot, as they must decide whether to trade Butler now to recoup value or risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The situation has sparked considerable debate among analysts and fans. Some believe the Heat should capitalize on Butler’s current trade value and start a retooling process around younger players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Others argue that keeping Butler gives the Heat their best shot at remaining competitive in the short term, even if it means potentially losing him in free agency.

For the Houston Rockets, acquiring Butler would be a game-changing move. The proposed trade package includes Dillon Brooks, a player who brings toughness and defensive intensity—traits highly valued in Miami. In addition, the Rockets are offering two of their top young prospects, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, both of whom have the potential to develop into key players for the Heat. The inclusion of a 2025 first-round pick further sweetens the deal, giving Miami valuable assets for their future.

If the Rockets can land Butler, they would be adding a proven veteran with a history of success in the playoffs, someone who could mentor their young core and help them transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. For Miami, this trade would allow them to begin a new chapter, potentially avoiding the risk of losing Butler in free agency and setting the stage for future success with a younger roster. It’s a high-stakes decision that both franchises must weigh carefully, considering their immediate and long-term goals.

2. Kyle Kuzma

Potential Trade Offer To The Washington Wizards: Tari Eason, Steven Adams, 2027 First-Round Pick

Kyle Kuzma's name has been buzzing in trade rumors all summer, especially after a solid season with the Washington Wizards where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Kuzma’s scoring ability and versatility have made him a hot commodity, but with the Wizards in the middle of a rebuild, it might be time for them to cash in on his trade value.

The Wizards made a big move in the 2024 NBA Draft by picking Alex Sarr with the 2nd overall pick . Sarr is a 7-foot-1 center from France with his defense and shooting touch. Washington seems committed to building around young talents like Sarr, Poole, and more promising players, which has only fueled the speculation that Kuzma might be on his way out.

There’s been talk of the Sacramento Kings being one of the teams interested in Kuzma. The Kings were looking to add more firepower to their roster to solidify their spot in the playoffs, and Kuzma could have been just the guy to help them do that before the DeMar DeRozan move. A trade to a competitive team would give Kuzma the chance to contend at a higher level, which might be more appealing than sticking with a Wizards team that’s focused on developing its younger players.

For the Rockets, trading for Kuzma could be a big move to accelerate their own rebuild. Offering Tari Eason, a promising young forward, along with veteran big man Steven Adams, gives the Wizards a mix of youth and experience. Plus, throwing in a 2027 first-round pick sweetens the deal, aligning perfectly with Washington’s long-term plans.

This trade could be a win-win. The Wizards get assets that fit their rebuild, while the Rockets add a proven scorer who can bring some much-needed experience to their young squad. If Houston can land Kuzma, it could be the piece they need to make a real push in the Western Conference.

Related: Houston Rockets Current Starting Lineup And Bench: Their Young Core Is Ready To Shine

3. Trae Young

Potential Trade Offer To The Atlanta Hawks: Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, 2025 First-Round Pick (Suns/Thunder), 2027 First-Round Pick

Trae Young has been at the center of Atlanta's basketball universe since he was drafted in 2018, but the 2023-24 season has stirred up significant trade rumors about his future. Young put up impressive numbers, averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game, but despite his strong performance, the Hawks decided to shake things up by trading his backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, to the New Orleans Pelicans after failing to make the playoffs.

This trade has only fueled the speculation that the Hawks might be considering a full rebuild, which could include moving Young. Atlanta secured the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Zaccharie Risaccher, a promising wing with franchise cornerstone potential. With Risaccher in the fold, the Hawks might be looking to gather even more assets and young talent to build around him, which makes Young a prime candidate to be traded.

Reports suggest that the Hawks could be exploring trade options for Young as they contemplate a fresh start. A potential trade package from the Houston Rockets could include Fred VanVleet, a steady veteran point guard who can lead the Hawks through a rebuild, along with Tari Eason, a young and versatile forward. The Rockets would also offer two first-round picks—one in 2025 and another in 2027—giving Atlanta valuable assets to continue their retooling efforts.

For the Rockets, acquiring Trae Young would be a game-changer. Young’s elite playmaking and scoring ability would instantly elevate Houston’s young roster, potentially turning them into a playoff contender in the Western Conference. This move would provide the Rockets with the star power they need to accelerate their rebuild, pairing Young with their emerging talents like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

On the other side, Atlanta could benefit greatly from this trade as well. VanVleet would offer leadership and stability, while Eason and the future picks provide the Hawks with the flexibility to either develop young players or use those assets in future trades. It’s a high-stakes decision for both franchises, but one that could reshape their futures in significant ways.

4. Nikola Vucevic

Potential Trade Offer To The Chicago Bulls: Steven Adams, Jock Landale, 2025 First-Round Pick (Suns/Thunder)

Nikola Vucevic has been a steady force for the Chicago Bulls, but with the team entering a rebuild, his future in Chicago is uncertain. After the Bulls missed the playoffs in the 2023-24 season, the front office decided to hit the reset button. They traded DeMar DeRozan to the Kings and Alex Caruso to the Thunder, leaving Vucevic as one of the last remaining veterans on a team that’s clearly shifting its focus to younger players.

Vucevic, who averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season, is still a highly effective player, especially in a more competitive environment. The Bulls are reportedly looking to move him, not just because of his age, but also because he could fetch valuable assets in return. With two years left on his contract, Vucevic is an attractive option for teams in need of a skilled big man who can score, rebound, and stretch the floor.

Houston could be a perfect fit for Vucevic. The Rockets are building a promising young core around players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, and adding a veteran like Vucevic could accelerate their development. Vucevic’s ability to play inside and outside would complement Sengun’s playmaking and versatility, giving Houston a formidable frontcourt duo. His experience and leadership would also be invaluable to a team full of young talent still finding its identity.

The trade package to Chicago would include Steven Adams, who would bring toughness and rebounding to the Bulls. Adams is known for his physical play and ability to protect the paint, qualities that could help mentor the younger players in Chicago’s system. Jock Landale, a solid backup big man, would provide additional depth. The 2025 first-round pick from the Suns or Thunder would give the Bulls another valuable asset as they continue their rebuild.

This trade would mark another step in the Bulls’ commitment to a full rebuild. By moving Vucevic, they would clear the way for younger players to take on more prominent roles while adding more draft capital to their war chest. The Bulls are looking to the future, and this deal would align perfectly with their long-term plans. It would also provide them with the flexibility to make more moves as they reshape their roster.

On the other hand, this trade would allow Houston to blend experience with youth. Vucevic would bring a level of consistency and production that the Rockets could rely on as they push to become a competitive team in the Western Conference. His fit alongside Green, Smith, and Sengun could create a balanced and dynamic lineup capable of making some noise in the playoffs. It’s a move that could benefit both teams in their respective directions.

5. James Harden

Potential Trade Offer To The Los Angeles Clippers: Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason

James Harden's situation with the Los Angeles Clippers is in flux after a turbulent offseason. Following a 2023-24 season where Harden averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, the Clippers found themselves at a crossroads. The team’s hopes of contending took a major hit when Paul George left the Clippers this summer, signing a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This departure has left the Clippers in a difficult position, potentially pushing them to consider a rebuild rather than another push for a title.

With George gone, the Clippers are left with Harden and Kawhi Leonard, but the loss of George significantly dims their championship aspirations. There’s now serious speculation that the Clippers might choose to move Harden and begin restructuring their roster around younger players and future assets. Harden, brought in to form a formidable trio with George and Leonard, now finds himself on a team that may no longer be positioned to contend.

The Houston Rockets could offer a lifeline to both Harden and the Clippers. A trade package featuring Dillon Brooks, known for his defensive toughness, along with young talents Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, could provide the Clippers with a mix of immediate defensive help and future potential. This would give the Clippers the flexibility to either remain competitive in the short term or fully embrace a rebuild.

For the Rockets, reacquiring Harden could be a game-changer. His experience and playmaking could be just what the Rockets need to accelerate their young core's development and push for a playoff spot. Pairing Harden with the likes of Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. could help turn the Rockets into a formidable team in the Western Conference sooner than expected.

On the Clippers' side, this trade would signify a shift towards the future. Acquiring young assets and offloading Harden’s contract would allow them to start building a new foundation post-George, positioning themselves to rebuild effectively while staying competitive. It’s a tough but necessary decision for a franchise that needs to adapt to its new reality.

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