3 Last minute deadline day deals the Rockets must consider

The Houston Rockets are not expected to make a blockbuster deadline deal.

Who knows? By the time this article is published, Kevin Durant could be in Rockets red. Hopefully, there's time to edit. This is the crazy time of year. Nothing is impossible.

Still, we can dabble in probabilities. The Rockets have publicly communicated that they're not looking to make a blockbuster deal. They're ahead of schedule and shouldn't be in a rush. Rockets fans holding out for a league-altering deal may want to detach from their phones on deadline day.

Still, some marginal moves would be ideal. The Rockets could use some extra shooting. A bit of ball-handling wouldn't hurt, and some would like them to upgrade their big-man rotation.

Here are three deals that address some of those concerns.

Trade #1: Rockets add elite reserve guard

Washington Wizards receive: Jock Landale, Jeff Green, 2025 Second Round Pick (Swap - MEM), 2027 Second Round Pick (MEM)

Houston Rockets receive: Malcolm Brogdon

Does Brogdon help with the Rockets' shooting woes?

It's not an easy question to answer. In 2024-25, he's shooting 30.0% from long-range. That is - well, it's awful. Still, it's quite possible that the career 38.8% shooter would bounce back with a change of scenery.

Otherwise, he's a perfect addition to this team. Brogdon can pilot the offense or play without the ball. He's a stout defender who can play both guard positions. He'd be a major rotational upgrade as the Rockets prepare for the deepest playoff run they can manage.

By contrast, the Wizards are preparing for life with Cooper Flagg - or VJ Edgecomb. Either way, they don't need Brogdon. Unfortunately for them, an aging, injury-prone, slumping player on an expiring contract isn't likely to net them more than a pair of second-round picks.

Trade #2: Rockets reunite with an old friend

Toronto Raptors receive: Jock Landale, 2025 Second Round Pick (Swap - MEM), 2027 Second Round Pick (MEM)

Houston Rockets receive: Kelly Olynyk

There's no need to worry about Olynyk's shooting. He's connecting on 47.4% of 1.7 threes per game this year. Why would the Raptors give him up for this package?

Well, Olynyk has lost a step on the defensive end - and he couldn't afford that lost step. He's never been a stalwart defender, but this year, he's looked like an outright liability. The Raptors could be happy to move him for a non-guaranteed contract and some second-round draft capital.

At that price, the Rockets should be happy to bring him back. Despite his defensive warts, he'll be an upgrade over Landale. Olynyk's passing acumen would allow the Rockets to run some of the same sets with him that they run with Alperen Sengun. Even when Steven Adams is available, Olynyk's positional versatility could allow him to find a few minutes on the floor.

Trade #3: Rockets find the perfect fit

Chicago Bulls receive: Jock Landale, Jeff Green, 2027 Second Round Pick (MEM)

Houston Rockets receive: Lonzo Ball

A caveat - these are all tentative proposals. It's possible that any of these teams would insist on an extra second-round pick in these deals. The basic framework is to move some combination of Landale, Green, and second-round capital for a rotational upgrade.

Ball would be a tremendous upgrade. Like Brogdon, his three-point percentage in 2024-25 (34.0%) is below his career average (36.2%). That's fine. Ball does a bit of everything on the floor. He's a plus passer and defender in addition to being a player with three-point gravity.

He's extremely injury-prone and has an expiring deal. Also like Brogdon, Ball is a distressed asset. The Rockets should still take a look at him if the price is right.

Unless they've already landed Kevin Durant, of course.