Every NBA team has a timeline, and the Houston Rockets are no different. They have defined objectives that span the next five years or more.
For the 2024-25 season, their goal is to make the playoffs. This is their primary focus; failing to reach the postseason would be viewed as a disappointment.
The Rockets aren’t aiming for an NBA championship this year; that wouldn’t be realistic. Consequently, they will likely avoid blockbuster trades for aging superstars like Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler, as teams pursuing these players are generally in a win-now mode.
However, Bleacher Report has identified potential trade targets for Houston, naming Durant, Devin Booker, and Butler. They also acknowledge the inconsistency in their logic:
“In contrast to the Booker and Durant options, a Butler trade would be more of a rental with an option to buy, likely to materialize only if Houston felt it was one player away from serious contention right now.”
-Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report
The difference between Durant and Butler is primarily contract duration, but that doesn’t justify Durant as a sensible target for the Rockets. At 36, Durant’s best days are likely behind him, and he may not perform at an All-Star level in a couple of seasons. Although he is one of the most talented scorers in NBA history, age is a formidable opponent.
The Rockets should only consider a trade for Durant if they believe they can build a contender within a few years, which currently seems unfounded. The only young player on the roster nearing All-Star status is Alperen Sengun, and pairing him with Durant isn’t likely to create a contender quickly.
On the other hand, Devin Booker is a more logical target.
Booker is 27 and should have another five years or more of elite performance ahead. Acquiring him could significantly enhance the Rockets’ chances of becoming a title contender. In contrast, trading for Durant or Butler could prematurely narrow their championship window.
Booker also possesses a versatile skill set—he’s an excellent shooter with playmaking abilities. A duo of Booker and Sengun could be a formidable offensive pairing, and he could complement non-shooter Amen Thompson effectively.
Thus, we endorse Booker for the Rockets. Our top three trade targets for the 2024-25 season could also include Zion Williamson and LaMelo Ball, or more moderate options like Jevon Carter or Duncan Robinson. There’s no need to hastily acquire an aging star when the Rockets haven’t yet opened a championship window.
They should remain committed to their timeline.
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