The Houston Rockets took a jump in the 2023 season, finishing at 41-41. While the Rockets improved, their .500 record wasn't good enough to earn a spot in the play-in tournament. Houston could be active in the trade market to bolster their roster.
The Rockets have a great young nucleus on their roster, surrounded by some veteran talent. Houston's young core includes Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason. They also have two veterans in the starting five acquired via free agency in 2023 with Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
Green and Sengun are the building blocks, and they are emerging as young stars.
Green appeared in all 82 games, averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He shot 42.3 percent from the field and 33.2 percent from three. While his efficiency has a long way to go, Green has proven to be a high-caliber scorer.
Sengun had a breakout campaign in his third season, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game. The 21-year-old shot 53.7 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from deep.
With two budding stars in place and quality talent around them, Houston could make a jump with a few moves.
With that said, here are three Rockets trade targets in the 2024 NBA offseason.
Brandon Ingram
The Rockets are in the market for a star, and Brandon Ingram could be on their radar. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and the New Orleans Pelicans are hesitant to give him a max deal.
Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from downtown.
The lengthy forward could be the missing piece to get Houston into the playoffs.
The Pelicans could get a lot in a deal from the Rockets, as they hold quality assets like the third overall pick. Houston could include one of their young pieces, like Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, or Tari Eason.
They could also include a player like Dillon Brooks, who will make $22 million in the 2024 season.
If the Rockets can get a deal done for Ingram, he could help them make a playoff push in the Western Conference.
Mikal Bridges
The Rockets have been interested in forward Mikal Bridges for a while, but the Brooklyn Nets have been hesitant.
Bridges is a high-quality two-way forward who is on a reasonable contract. The 27-year-old averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a steal per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from deep.
Bridges is a great complementary player and could thrive alongside Sengun and Green.
However, the Nets are likely to keep Bridges and look for a star to put alongside him. If the Nets are willing to move him, the Rockets would have the most compelling offer, as they hold Brooklyn's picks or swaps from this year (third overall) and until 2027 from the James Harden trade.
If the Nets are unable to add a star next to Bridges, the Rockets should call them again to acquire the two-way forward.
Paul George
Paul George has become a prominent name in trade talks. He could opt into his player option and request a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.
George, 34, is one of the best two-way players in basketball and would be a veteran presence for the Rockets. He would be an upgrade at small forward, as he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season.
George was efficient, shooting 47.1 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from behind the arc.
He appeared in 74 games, which was his healthiest season as a Clipper.
George is looking for a change of scenery, and the Rockets are looking to add a star, so they could be an ideal pairing.
Houston has a great young core in place with some quality veterans around them. Adding a star forward this offseason could help them take the leap to a playoff team in the highly competitive Western Conference.
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