Anthony Duckett | The Dream Shake

Will the Rockets be active in the NBA buyout market?

2026-03-05T05:43:47-05:00

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 11: General manager Rafael Stone looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on February 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Rockets’ final opportunity to add an external contributor comes by way of the buyout market, which is currently underway.

(Well, quality contributors who haven’t been unrestricted free agents all season, that is.)

The deadline for teams to waive players was Sunday, March 1. Will the Rockets be active?

We’d heard a significant amount of chatter regarding the Rockets’ presumed position as buyers on the trade market and….well…that didn’t quite materialize.

Houston was the least bit active.

Will the buyout market shape up any differently, for Houston’s brass? Well, it depends on the candidates.

Lonzo Ball? Nah, he’s likely washed.

Khris Middleton? He’d provide value, for sure. But he didn’t hit the market.

Is Houston in most need of a wing scorer, anyways?

It’s definitely a need. Especially with injuries mounting at that spot.

Tari Eason has been playing through an ankle injury, Jabari Smith Jr. just had an ankle injury and Amen Thompson seemed to suffer an injury of his own to his lower extremities.

And Josh Okogie has fallen out of the lineup, and Jae’Sean Tate is also injured.

Would Eric Gordon make sense? He’s been available for weeks, so we would’ve already seen or heard something.

The team clearly passed on Chris Paul, prompting retirement.

Josh Christopher? Been there, done that, literally in Houston’s case.

Kevon Looney would be great (maybe?) but the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t buy him out. Chris Boucher could be a good addition (maybe?) but would Ime Udoka play him?

He’d kind of have to, for one, because Clint Capela can’t be expected to soak up all of the reserve center minutes every night. He’s in year 12.

Udoka seems to trust veterans, anyways. So Boucher would be his type of player.

But would Houston be getting this year’s version of him? Eight points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes, on 32 percent from the field, 13 percent from deep, and 36 percent effective shooting leaves alot to be desired.

Even last year’s version as a 32-year-old was valuable. 10 points, 4.5 rebounds (1.4 offensive), .5 blocks, 49.2 percent from the field, 36.2 percent from deep (3.9 attempts), 61.5 percent true shooting and 58.6 percent effective.

Houston could use that.

If getting that version.

So that leaves just two potential names in Gordon and Boucher. So basically it all comes down to Boucher.

Which probably means Houston won’t be active on the buyout market either.

Are Rockets primed for first-round postseason exit again?

2026-03-02T21:27:49-05:00

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This year’s Houston Rockets team has been one of the most inconsistent iterations of the team seen in recent memory. More over, the Rockets have been one of the most inconsistent ball clubs in the entire league.

They’re far from a lock to beat the league’s relatively easier opponents. In fact, I tend to get a bit more concerned when I see a less talented team on the schedule.

(Although the tanking teams will likely be mailing it in from this point on. The 2026 draft class is that good).

11 of Houston’s losses have been against teams below. 500.

The Rockets would have the NBA’s best record if they were able to win those games. It’s clear that the Rockets get up for games against some of the league’s better teams.

Which begs the question of how far this year’s Rockets team will advance in the postseason. I think it’ll be much like last season — feisty team that will be a difficult matchup in the first round, and probably beat up their opponent, even in a losing effort, by taking a series to seven games.

Unless the Rockets face the Lakers in the first round, which would be the matchup if the postseason started today.

Otherwise, it’s difficult to view the Rockets as contenders. For one, they’re missing two of their most important players on the roster, in Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams.

Those two represent $40 million in salary, sitting on the bench. Then you have to dive into the Rockets’ warts.

Turnovers — which will absolutely lose you a game and eradicate a lead rather quickly. Not capitalizing on trips at the charity stripe (Houston ranks 26th in foul shooting, as of this writing).

Stagnant offense. Houston ranks in the bottom eight in passes made per game, bottom five in points created by assists and bottom eight in potential assists.

Then there’s the Amen Thompson positional alignment. It’s clear that he’s best when cutting to the baseline and/or getting downhill. Attacking and staying in that dunker spot.

Not standing at the top of the key or behind the 3-point line. That plays into the hands of the defense, because he’s going to be tempted to take an open three.

But any 3-point shot by Thompson is essentially a turnover because it’s a bad shot and/or possession.

Then there’s the over reliance on Kevin Durant. He’s been outer-worldly and likely in line for an All-NBA selection.

But teams will take that away in the postseason and make Houston’s role players step up.

Add up the sum of the parts, and you get a fairly good team, capable of winning 50 games and being a tough first round matchup.

Anything beyond that will depend heavily on the matchup.

Let’s not over think this: The Kevin Durant trade was good for Rockets

2026-03-03T21:22:14-05:00

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Miami Heat on February 28, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The question has been raised throughout the season. Should the Houston Rockets have made last offseason’s trade for Kevin Durant?

Those who say no will likely reference Houston’s eerily similar winning clip to last season. To that point, the Rockets have gone 37-22 through 59 games in 2025-26. One year ago, they had the same record at the same point.

Which has been used to make the argument that the Rockets didn’t get better with Durant.

However, that actually undersells the point. Especially considering what all has happened to the Rockets, from a roster standpoint.

Their infrastructure has been shaken, due to injury. Fred VanVleet, Houston’s lone table-setter over the last two seasons, hasn’t played.

(Which we’ve heard endlessly, I know).

Houston has struggled to get into their sets. The pick-and-roll action (which seems to be the only offensive gameplan in Ime Udoka’s toolbelt) has been rather..meh. Amen Thompson has the will to fill that void but he doesn’t have the know-how.

Alperen Sengun has missed a handful of games (and has faded defensively). Tari Eason has missed 22 games.

Steven Adams’ loss might be the most pivotal across the league this season.

Jabari Smith Jr. has been very inconsistent throughout the season. Durant has been the only constant.

Even at 37-years-old. He ranks third in minutes per game and fourth in total minutes played.

He’s also bailed the Rockets out in a litany of offensive possessions, hitting shots with an insanely high degree of difficulty.

And has even had to take on a playmaking role (which hasn’t always been pretty, I agree).

But imagine if Houston didn’t make that trade. Jalen Green has missed most of the season.

When he has played, he’s flashed the same inconsistencies and/or hot-and-cold propensity. Dillon Brooks has certainly been missed this season, but he’s also benefited from having an ample amount of freedom to let it fly and chuck. He’s taking 17.4 shots per game, which is a career-high.

Yet and still, his efficiency has been….meh. 50.7 percent effective shooting (which is worse than either of his two seasons in Houston), and 54.7 true shooting (which is also worse than either of his two seasons with the Rockets, but almost identical to his first season with the Rockets in 2023-24).

Brooks wouldn’t have been able to replace (or even match) the production that we’ve seen from Durant this season.

This trade was a no-brainer. Even upon revisiting it.

Houston would be a lottery team without Adams, VanVleet, and Durant. And if you were to undo the trade and place Green back on the roster this season, they would’ve been without him too.

It’s also worth noting that Houston spent years seeking a closer, even with Green on the roster. Because he didn’t prove capable of being a consistent closer.

So even if they didn’t make the deal for Durant (which carried a lower than usual asking price), they would’ve still likely moved those pieces for someone else, eventually.

Suns try to reverse narrative on Kevin Durant trade with Rockets

2026-02-20T09:09:41-05:00

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 5: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game on January 5, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Last offseason’s trade between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, that saw Kevin Durant get dealt to Houston, in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, five second-round draft picks and the 10th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft has been a franchise saver, of sorts, for the Rockets.

Especially when considering the mountain of injuries Houston has seen. Fred VanVleet was out before the season even started.

Steven Adams is out for the season.

(And hasn’t suited up in a month).

Tari Eason has missed over 20 games (well, 22, to be exact).

And Houston’s prized free agent signing, Dorian Finney-Smith, has missed 33 games (and hasn’t looked good, although we’ve seen positive signs, of late ).

Yet and still, the Rockets have their same record at this point in the season as last year. Despite being without three of last year’s starters.

According to Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, the Rockets’ brass tried making the deal for Durant at last year’s deadline, albeit with the inclusion of Jabari Smith Jr. instead of Dillon Brooks.

“The deal was never gonna get done without Jalen and Dillon in the deal.”

Bartelstein claims the Suns wanted Brooks, to help set their culture.

Houston’s brass has denied being willing to part with Smith.

But make no mistake. They surely would’ve included him, if it came down to it.

Not many players on last year’s roster should’ve been deemed untouchable, especially with Kevin Durant on the table as an acquireable piece.

Even an older version.

We should expect the Rockets to deny their willingness to move Smith.

In the same way that it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Suns are now hyping up their guy in Brooks.

It’s a bit less believable that Brooks was a sticking point for the Suns.

It’s not like it could’ve been predicted that he was going to average a career-best 21 points (albeit on 18 shots).

It should also be noted that Phoenix couldn’t have moved Durant for Green and Smith at the deadline, from a salary standpoint, as Smith was still on his rookie salary.

But again, this shouldn’t be surprising.

Rockets Kevin Durant finds himself at center of avoidable social media drama

2026-02-17T18:46:44-05:00

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Team USA Stripes looks on during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kevin Durant LOVES social media. Well, Twitter in particular. He engaged with fans on online platforms more than any other superstar ever seen.

In any sport, most likely. His teammate, Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet stated that Durant will fire up a tweet and then go get his ankles taped up, or go on about his daily basketball preparation routine.

Which means posting on Twitter has become part of his daily routine. Which is okay.

Hell, the man was visibly on his phone through the All-Star game.

Durant has even joined Twitter Spaces a time or two. Which also isn’t a bad thing.

One of those times was in the offseason. Players can do what they wish in the offseason.

Or when they’re not on the hardwood.

However, Durant has gotten himself into scandals involving burner accounts on social media.

As a side note, the use of burner accounts is fairly common amongst athletes. Jalen Green openly admitted that he has a handful of them.

What’s unusual about Durant is that his burner accounts seem to get exposed.

Key words: seem to.

Because we ultimately don’t know.

Well, there was a situation in 2017 that’s been confirmed by Durant himself. He unknowingly tweeted from his own account defending himself against the backlash he’d received for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors.

Durant clearly intended to tweet from a non-verified account, in that situation.

Over the weekend, Durant became the subject of another situation, this time involving a group chat on Twitter with a burner account.

This time, it’s been unverified. But based on Durant’s history with fake accounts on Twitter, many believe there’s merit here.

This time, a Twitter user with just 75 followers (and a now private account) was seen commenting in a group chat about many of Durant’s former teammates.

Specifically Ben Simmons, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry.

Durant’s current Rockets teammates were also mentioned.

Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun, in particular.

Again, there is no way to confirm whether this was Durant himself.

However, he could shut it down directly, if he so desired.

(He has no problem using the platform to call people out or shut things down).

This could be a random person posing as Durant. Let’s hope it is.

Because if otherwise, this is entirely immature, and avoidable, I should add.

And based on his past, there’s no way to dismiss it with absolute certainty.

Were the Rockets even working the phones at the NBA Trade Deadline?

2026-02-09T18:06:31-05:00

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 23: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went for the Houston Rockets. They were one of the few inactive teams in the league.

There’s a bit of confusion regarding whether the Rockets were even working the phones. General Manager Rafael Stone said that the team had spoken to various organizations and ball clubs.

“Obviously, we talked to every team. We had discussions. But this year, in particular, with the way the cap works, we were hard-capped at the first apron. So constructing trades was hard.”

Stone added that the team has generally been good through the first half of the season, thus, Houston “wasn’t looking to make changes at all”.

That’s a bit of a contradiction, but let’s keep going.

Well-known reporter Jake Fischer noted that Houston hadn’t been in contact with anyone.

“I have not heard the Rockets are actively involved in anything right now, not Coby White, not Ayo Dosunmu, not anything else.”

Chicago Bulls beat writer Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reportedly repeatedly that the Bulls and Rockets had been in contact regarding Coby White, as the Bulls coveted Tari Eason but Houston’s brass wouldn’t give Eason up.

(He’s never wavered off that reporting).

So what’s the truth?

Who knows?

In general, the decision to stand pat wasn’t an unwise one.

Although fans don’t want to hear it.

Which is understandable. Especially after watching these last three games against the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.

(The latter two were on back-to-backs, I know, but Houston lacked effort, especially in the second half of both games).
But from a trade standpoint, you have to have assets. Something to trade.

Not to say that Houston doesn’t have trade chips. They do.

The Bulls proved that.

But those negotiations also proved that Houston doesn’t have players they can sacrifice. This is a top-heavy roster.

Houston was willing to part with…..Dorian Finney-Smith and an injured Steven Adams?

What was that going to fetch? They couldn’t part with Clint Capela, in light of Adams’ season-ending injury.

It would’ve been different if either of those players were on expiring deals. That, in it of itself, holds value.

DFS has three more seasons under contract. Adams has two years left.

Both deals were just signed.

What value do they hold?

Can this team afford to lose Eason or Reed Sheppard for a rental like Coby White? Or Ayo Dosunmu?

Or even Jabari Smith Jr.

Could they risk losing him for a rental?

For the way the roster is built, Houston’s best bet was standing pat.

And it could be why they never seriously engaged in real trade talks.

(Which seems to be the case)

Alperen Sengun’s NBA All-Star snub can be a good thing for Rockets

2026-02-03T09:07:49-05:00

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 31, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, there was chatter that the Houston Rockets could have a trio of All-Stars, comprised of Amen Thompson, the newly-acquired Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

The first half of the season is over and the All-Star rosters are set.

It’s official.

Unless a player declines, due to injury, which we see all the time.

The Rockets have one All-Star. Just Durant.

His placement isn’t a debate.

Sengun not making the team has prompted a bit of buzz. To many, he was snubbed.

Particularly when comparing Sengun to Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren.

Statistically speaking, there’s a pretty viable argument in Sengun’s favor. (Especially if you throw out efficiency).

He’s averaging 21 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, while Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.1 blocks.

Holgren is shooting 56.6 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three and 77.8 percent from the foul line, while Sengun is shooting 50 percent from the field, 30 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the foul line.

The Thunder big man is shooting 62.3 percent effective shooting, while Sengun is posting 51.8 percent chops.

Holmgren is also shooting 65.7 percent true shooting, whereas Sengun is shooting 55.4 percent true shooting.

Again, it’s close, in totality.

The real snubs belong to the LA Clippers, as Kawhi Leonard is having a career season and didn’t make the cut, while James Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists.

They certainly are more belonging than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, based on this season.

The reality is that this benefits Sengun, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s hone in on two.

For one, he’ll have a chip on his shoulder for the rest of the way, as he’ll be out to prove that he is indeed one of the stars of today’s league.

But more importantly, Sengun can use the break to get healthy. It’s clear that he’s still trying to grind through a fairly recent ankle injury.

Credit to him for trying to push through it, but the playoffs are around the corner.

That’s what’s most important. Then, he’ll really be able to prove his star status.

Bulls asking price should prompt Rockets to pass on Coby White

2026-01-30T20:14:24-05:00

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 24: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates his teams win against the Boston Celtics at the United Center on January 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Rockets could use an on-ball facilitating guard. Everybody talks about it.

By all intents and purposes, Rafael Stone and co. are trying to address that need by the trade deadline.

It seems clear that they’ve been working the phones, at the very least. Lately they’ve been engaged in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls for point guard Coby White.

White is an obvious target on the trade market. White becomes an unrestricted free agent in four months and the Bulls tried to extend him last offseason, but made no such progress, as he turned down an $87 million extension.

They’d rather get something for him than see him walk without getting anything in return.

Except they’ve got a specific asking price.

They’re hoping to land a young, rising talent, who is on the same timeline as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.

Understandable. Buzelis and Giddey are their future.

Pillars. Cornerstones.

Whatever noun you want to use.

They’re also 21-years-old and 23-years-old, respectively.

According to the local boots on the ground in Chicago, the Bulls have “floated” names like Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard in their talks with Houston’s brass.

Which is an obvious no-go. Houston has neither the guard depth nor wing depth to withstand losing either.

Especially not for White.

Again, he’s going to be a free agent in the summer.

But his $12.8 million salary will be impossible to match if the Hawks are set on a young player to that degree. Even those guys don’t make enough individually.

The obvious salary matching would come by way of Dorian Finney-Smith ($12.7 million) or Steven Adams.

(It’s a cold world sometimes, I know. But Adams’ $14.1 million works mathematically).

But again, if we are to believe Chicago wants a young prospect, neither DFS nor Adams would sway them.

And even if the Rockets and Bulls are able to agree on compensation, would Houston realistically be able to afford White long-term? They’ve got looming deals with Eason and Amen Thompson in consecutive years (the latter of which will be far more costly).

White is a good player. But the situation doesn’t quite align, especially considering what Chicago is seeking in return.

Rockets potentially looking into adding depth at center

2026-01-28T05:47:26-05:00

The Houston Rockets’ offensive philosophy is to bully opponents on the glass. Buy and large, it works.

The more scoring opportunities one gets, the higher likelihood that they’ll score. Especially put-back opportunities around the rim or open kick-out threes.

Steven Adams has been a big part of that, as he leads the league in offensive rebounds, with 4.5 per contest.

Adams is out indefinitely with a Grade 3 ankle sprain. He’s going to miss a considerable amount of time.

Clint Capela provides insurance for Adams, but he now becomes the only back-up big behind Alperen Sengun, who has also missed time here and there with injury (seven games through the first half of the season).

What was once viewed as a deep rotation isn’t quite the same without Adams.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets are looking into adding more depth in the big man room.

Iko reports that Houston’s brass hasn’t made definite plans, but that they are merely mulling and assessing whether it’s necessary, whether via trade or buyout.

Complicating matters is Houston’s financial hamstring, as they’re just $1.2 million under the hard cap. They can reasonably afford to part with Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate or Jeff Green, without any regret.

Doing so would pretty much indicate that the team won’t be adding an on-ball facilitating guard.

The buyout market would help the Rockets financially.

But that will be scarce, although more realistic, featuring the names of Precious Achiuwa, Marvin Bagley III, Daniel Theis.

Not to say the trade market will be plentiful either. The Rockets won’t be going after the likes of Daniel Gafford or Onyeka Okongwu.

Jay Huff might be the best possible option on the trade market, considering the Rockets’ financial situation. Especially when considering his seemingly reduction in playing time, as he’s played just six minutes in the Pacers’ last two games.

Rockets reportedly interested in Pelicans Jose Alvarado

2026-01-23T07:22:34-05:00

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard. And noticed.

The Houston Rockets need a point guard.

Although it’s not as bad as it seems.

There’s a difficult path, as it pertains to acquiring an external one. Houston is just $1.2 million under the apron.

The NBA’s hard cap is real.

We know this.

We’ve seen Rockets coach Ime Udoka deploy a hodgepodge of methods toward replacing Fred VanVleet.

Or attempting to.

No option has been perfect. Amen Thompson running point takes him away from his best offensive skills, which is attacking, cutting to the rim and slashing.

Instead, it leaves him at the top of the key, oftentimes standing around and/or taking low-percentage threes.

Kevin Durant has been relied on to handle some of the playmaking and offensive initiation, but he’s rather turnover prone. Especially when blitzed or trapped.

Reed Sheppard is a good option, save for the fact that he gets hunted defensively. He’s thrived in an off-ball role.

JD Davison is a decent fall back, but you don’t necessarily want to be relying on a two-way signee for offensive playmaking and creation.

Especially not the bulk of it. And he’s the best pick-and-roll point guard on the roster.

According to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, the Rockets have interest in New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado.

“Jose Alvarado.. The Houston Rockets—they have kind of did some background on Alvarado.”

Alvarado is a defensive pest. He’s also the type of player who you hate when he’s not on your team but absolutely love to have on your team.

He’s a hell of a spark off the bench and is infectious.

In 22 minutes of action, he averages 7.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds one steal, 42.4 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from three (4.4 attempts) and 82.6 percent from the foul line.

He has a player option next season worth $4.5 million and has a $4.5 million number this season also, making him a realistic target, should they decide to look into making a move.

There will be competition for his services, however, as Haynes also reported the New York Knicks are interested in Alvarado’s services as well.