1 Blockbuster Rockets trade target you haven't considered yet

The Houston Rockets have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. They've been linked to Kevin Durant. The Rockets have even been linked to Trey Murphy III. At times, it feels like they've been linked to every trade target under the sun.

There's no shortage of speculation around the squad. It can be hard to come up with novel trade prospects. Yet, if you rack your brain long enough, there's always somebody.

A recent NBA blockbuster got me thinking. The Grizzlies sent Desmond Bane to the Magic. They may be open for business. If so, the Rockets should be making inquiries:

And no, they shouldn't be asking about Ja Morant.

Rockets could sell the farm for Grizzlies star

Three words. Each of them has the same letter. J.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

In 2024-25, Jackson Jr. averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per contest.

Oh, and he was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate - as always.

Jackson Jr. is the quintessential modern defensive anchor. He's got exceedingly long arms that make him an elite weakside shot blocker. He's got quick feet that allow him to guard across positions. Offensively, Jackson Jr. shot 37.5% from deep last year, and he's a crafty inside scorer as well. What's not to love?

Well, those rebounds per game stick out. Jackson Jr. is a notoriously poor rebounder.

Perhaps the Rockets don't have to worry about that.

Rockets have a perfect roster to mask Jackson Jr.'s one flaw

You know who rebounds well? Steven Adams. The Grizzlies know that. They found plenty of success by pairing the Rockets' big man with Jackson Jr. in the past.

So can Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Alperen Sengun. The Rockets led the NBA in rebounds per game at 48.5 in 2024-25. Moreover, Jackson Jr. would presumably be replacing Jabari Smith Jr. in the starting lineup, who only averaged slightly more rebounds (7.0) anyway.

On that note - who else would be heading to Memphis in a hypothetical deal?

Rockets can afford Jackson Jr.

The Rockets should be looking to keep the aforementioned trio to supplement the rebounding around Jackson Jr. Everyone else can go.

That includes Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, and Jalen Green. Some combination of those young players, in addition to a bundle of draft capital should get a deal done if the Grizzlies are open to moving Jackson Jr.

The principles here aren't complicated. The Rockets would be adding exactly what they need to the most valuable parts of a 52-win season. If Green is involved in the deal, the Rockets may miss his perimeter creation. Still, given how inconsistent he's been anyway, that feels like two steps forward and a step backward if Houston is adding Jackson Jr.

Here's hoping it's something they've thought about.