2 Under-the-radar superstars the Rockets could target this summer

The Houston Rockets and blockbuster trade rumors:

Name a more iconic duo.

It's a discussion that's been had ad nauseam. Should the Rockets stick with this young core or push their chips in for a star? It's a question that will plague fans until the Rockets look like clear-cut title contenders.

That said, the NBA sometimes offers an alternative path. Superstars shake loose at surprisingly affordable prices - but there's a catch. There's a reason why these stars are available. Typically, that reason is their health.

Highly injury-prone players are generally easier to make a move for. That said, they can't contribute to your team if they can't get on the floor. Trading for either of these stars would be a risk.

Let's take a look at them anyway.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Leonard has become the poster child for load management. To an extent, it's unfair. Leonard played 68 games in 2023-24. Older fans don't like it, but that's a substantial workload for a star player in this era of NBA basketball.

This year, Leonard has clocked in just 27 appearances. Nagging injuries have limited his availability. When he's been available, Leonard's volume has taken a hit. The 19.7 points per game he's averaging this year would be his lowest mark since 2016-17.

The advanced stats suggest that Leonard has lost a step as well. His 1.4 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) is the lowest mark of his entire career. That's concerning.

It's also the reason why Leonard should be affordable. If the Rockets think there's a chance that Leonard can return to form with some injury rehabilitation, they could consider making a move for him. They should set a firm price in negotiations - anything more than a single unprotected first would be an overpay - but if the Clippers want to shed his contract, this could make sense.

For argument's sake, let's assume Leonard can get back to something closer to his peak form. If so, the Rockets could be getting an All-NBA player at a discount. Even if his availability remains sparse, the Rockets should have the depth to win without him given that he shouldn't cost the farm to acquire.

Keep that logic in mind...

2. Joel Embiid

Embiid's situation is different than Leonard's. When he's been healthy, he's resembled his MVP-winning self.

There are concerns that he'll never play again.

It's worth noting that The Ringer's Howard Beck thinks differently. He's under the impression that Embiid will get back to his previous level of play.

"Nothing about Embiid's knee that anybody is aware of suggests that this is career-ending or (that) this is going to be the end of him as a dominant player"
-Howard Beck, The Ringer

Not for nothing, Beck goes on to claim that Embiid is going to spend the rest of his career in Philadelphia. This may be a long shot:

It's still worth considering.

Embiid is a dominant force. A healthy version of him would be the best player on the Rockets by a wide margin from day one. That said, some fans' ears are burning. Can Embiid play with the man who many think is currently their best player?

Well, the Rockets have been experimenting with double-big lineups to great success. Acquiring Embiid could necessitate a full-time move to the 4 for Sengun. The Rockets could be one of the biggest, most physically dominant teams in the NBA.

Embiid is intriguing, but the cost would have to be low. If the Sixers are content to shed his contract, Houston should consider it. The risk and reward would both be enormous, but if the team can get Embiid without giving up their best assets, who knows?

We could continue to see the Rockets in blockbuster trade rumors.