The NBA’s 2023-24 deadline for in-season trades is fast approaching: 2 p.m. Central on Thursday.
As of Tuesday, with the deadline about 48 hours away, the Rockets have only announced one move. Unfortunately, it will not help this year’s team. Houston agreed to send multiple second-round draft assets to Memphis to acquire veteran big man Steven Adams, who is out for the 2023-24 season but should return in 2024-25 as a very capable backup behind rising star Alperen Sengun.
The Rockets are 23-26 and just outside of the current Western Conference play-in field. Will Rockets general manager Rafael Stone be able to address the backup center’s role on this season’s team? And what about other potential needs, such as more 3-point shooting (referenced recently by head coach Ime Udoka)?
As of Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 6 — with the 2023-24 deadline approximately 48 hours away — here’s our roundup of the latest scuttlebutt.
Rockets turned down Chicago’s Zach LaVine, Jalen Green overtures?
Bulls tried to trade Zach LaVine for a deal centered around Rockets Jalen Green; per @JakeLFischer
“I don’t think the Rockets really wanted to upgrade Jalen Green with the mind of getting someone who is in theory a $50 Million dollar version of Jalen Green”
[via… pic.twitter.com/a3JzLCb8Sy
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) February 5, 2024
Larger deals unlikely until 2024 offseason?
"Keep an eye on the #Rockets, sources said, to search for ways to improve their roster in the interim before the deadline at 3 p.m ET Thursday. Yet anything that would mark a colossal deal has a much higher chance of being completed this offseason." https://t.co/wEZmhyswnh
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) February 5, 2024
Rockets willing to be patient?
"The Adams trade, though, represents a clear signal Houston has more patience than previously advertised when it comes to making the play-in tournament, let alone the playoffs." #Rockets https://t.co/wEZmhyswnh
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) February 5, 2024
Rockets considered Andre Drummond trade?
"The Rockets also considered making a run at Drummond before acquiring Steven Adams."
With Drummond on an expiring contract, the Adams trade shouldn't preclude a trade for Drummond. But perhaps this means HOU is no longer looking to spend more future assets on a backup 5. https://t.co/RCzTDhY3rY
— David Weiner #🟦 (@BimaThug) February 5, 2024
No All-Star available to Rockets?
“Houston, sources said, was indeed ready to enter that market this season, just like New York, if an All-Star such as Donovan Mitchell or Joel Embiid or Zion Williamson became available. Alas, there is no player of that magnitude currently up for grabs.“ https://t.co/B4m1ve3xpo
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) February 5, 2024
Rival executives thought Houston was willing to trade Jalen Green?
I found this interesting:
“Rival front offices were abuzz about the #Rockets’ willingness to include Jalen Green in packages for Bridges and
“other marquee wings”❓
What other wings were the Rockets targeting in attempt to trade Jalen Green? https://t.co/qeAG7ZB32w pic.twitter.com/d45KXfyyyy
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 5, 2024
Rockets still reaching out to Brooklyn about Mikal Bridges?
The Nets aren’t interested in trading away Mikal Bridges, but that hasn’t stopped the Rockets and Pelicans from reaching out, per @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/NRAhgfpnp2
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) February 5, 2024
Rockets reluctant to block minutes for Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore
"Even in the more modest, typical trade deadline goals of strengthening a rotation for a playoff push, the #Rockets would be careful about bringing in players that would take minutes from Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson." https://t.co/INmHRG2Zhu
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) February 4, 2024
Jock Landale, Jae’Sean Tate ignoring trade rumors
Rockets' Jock Landale, Jae'Sean Tate understand trade rumors but have learned to ignore them https://t.co/AOLB2W0ZHd via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 6, 2024
