The Rockets’ 2026 NBA Dream Trade Deadline Scenario That Increases Title Chances

The Houston Rockets he had the best offseason in the NBA. They traded for Kevin Durant and Clint Capela in a deal with seven teams larger than any trade before it. They too signed by Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie, in addition to re-signing Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., Jae’Sean Tate and Fred VanVleet. Now, they have their eyes on adding even more talent through the trade market ahead NBA trade deadline February 5.

The the team’s greatest need is at peak. VanVleet tore his ACL in the days leading up to the regular season, creating a hole at the position and forcing a number of players to take a spot in the starting lineup. Amen Thompson took over the primary ball handling duties. Thompson is 6-foot-8 and is more than capable of playing guard or small forward. Reid Shepard has also proven himself as a guard worthy of rotation minutes. However, he lacks experience and struggles on the defensive end of the floor, so adding another point guard would make sense for this team that is all about winning.

VanVleet’s contract is large enough to be used as the primary piece in a trade for an All-Star caliber or high-level starting point guard. The team still has plenty of assets in the form of draft capital and young players it can also use in trades. There just so happens to be a surplus of disgruntled pundits on the trading block this year.

Trae Young has already been traded to the Washington Wizardsbut some of the others the best trade candidates also play the position of main guard. For example, a I Morant trade seems inevitable at this point. LaMelo Ball has also been talked about as a trade candidate, and would be a perfect fit in Houston. Other rush hours, such as Anfernee Simmons, Coby Whiteand Immanuel Quickleyit can also be on the block. The Rockets should trade for one of these players.

Morant and Ball’s ability to play winning basketball in recent years has been questioned. Both players are star offensive talents that would be worth gambling on for Houston. Morant was suspended several times, and recently he was in feud with Vince Williams it may have been the nail in the coffin leading to a potential trade.

A change of scenery could allow Morant to reach his potential. The Rockets have a future Hall of Famer who can shoot the lights out in Kevin Durant. They also have an All-Star moderator in Alperen Sengun. A slasher who thrives on the edge like Morant would be the perfect complement to what’s already in place.

The name Udoka is proud of coaching defense. He could potentially get more out of Morant on that front as well. If not, Thompson, Smith, Finney-Smith and Tarry Eason provide enough to cover him on that front. Fans saw Young change into nothingness. Morant could end up being moved for a similar package, which would only bode well for a Rockets team with tons of depth.

Ball is less likely to be moved than Morant, but would be a perfect fit in Houston. Ball is a high facilitator, something the Rockets prioritized when building their roster. The Rockets also have plenty of players who thrive in transition who would benefit from Ball’s passing ability.

Even one of Simmons, White or Quickley would provide the Rockets with the scoring boost necessary for a playoff push. Houston’s offense has stagnated a bit in recent weeks. A replacement for the point guard is what they need to go all-in for the championship.