4 Prospects the Rockets must consider trading down for in 2025 NBA Draft

The Houston Rockets have the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

On June 25, we'll find out. Will the Rockets select the best player available? Will they trade the pick in a larger package for a superstar?

Could they trade down?

The last option is the least sexy, but it could be prudent. If Rafael Stone sees a prospect he loves who's going to be available later in the draft, the Rockets could pick up some extra assets and still get their guy.

Here are 4 prospects who could be that guy.

1. Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant is a popular target for the Rockets. He's the type of player who can slide into any lineup. Bryant is a high-floor prospect with a sneakily high ceiling.

Bryant already looks the part of a prototypical 3-and-D wing. He shot 37.1% from deep this year. That's a quality mark for a 6'8" wing who's flashed the ability to guard multiple positions.

Yet, Bryant could be more than a role player at the NBA level. He's demonstrated some playmaking ability as well. Bryant has a deceptively strong handle. There's a world where he develops into an NBA star.

Does that sound like a lottery pick? Yes. Bryant isn't currently projected in the top-10, but he's not far out. If the Rockets traded down for him, they wouldn't acquire much else. It could make more sense to just reach for him with the 10th pick.

If the Rockets do that, we'll know how they feel about Bryant.

2. Adou Thiero, G/F, Arkansas

In some respects, Thiero fits precisely what the Rockets are building.

He's among the most active defenders in this class. Thiero is a 6'6" wing who can likely guard 1-through-4 at the NBA level. He's in the Tari Eason mold of defenders. Thiero is going to outwork you at any cost.

Unfortunately, his 25.6% three-point shooting for the Razorbacks this year makes him a suspect fit with the Rockets. This is a team in desperate need of floor spacing. If Thiero can't complement the guys on the roster, he won't get on the floor in 2025-26.

That's not the end of the world either. If the Rockets love what they see in Thiero, they could trade down fairly far to acquire him, pick up some assets, and stash him while his shot develops.

3. Cedric Coward, G/F, Washington State

Coward is among the most intriguing prospects in this class.

If he'd maintained the pace he was on to begin the year, he'd be a lottery pick. Coward was averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 40.0% from deep. He looked like a Paul George-esque wing who can create shots from all 3 levels and defend multiple positions.

Unfortunately, injury cut his season short. So, scouts are going off a small sample size. That said, Coward has apparently been remarkable during the pre-draft process. He could be a star lying in wait.

The Rockets should consider finding out. Coward is perhaps the most intriguing player on this list. The Rockets could trade down, pick him up, and walk away as one of the draft's biggest winners.

Besides the Mavericks, of course.

4. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, F/C, Penn State

Finally, we land on a deep cut. Niederhauser isn't on most Rockets fans' radars. He may not even hear his name called in the first round.

Niederhauser is an undeniably raw offensive prospect. That said, his upside is tantalizing. Niederhauser measured with an incredible 9'3" standing reach at the combine.

Read that again, and tell me the Rockets shouldn't look at this kid.

Perhaps he's a long-term backup. If the Rockets trade down far enough, that's fine. They could pick up Alperen Sengun's long-term backup, and considerable assets for trading far back into this draft.

They won't need the 10th pick to select Niederhauser.