Rockets fans shocked as draft pick traded for multiple stars before anyone was chosen

The Houston Rockets’ 2025 first-round draft pick was involved in trades for Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kevin Durant before finally winding up in Brooklyn where the Nets selected Danny Wolf. It was a wild ride that proves all draft picks have value. Chris Paul was part of the package that Houston sent to OKC in the Westbrook deal to involve a fourth future Hall of Famer in connection with this pick.

The swap from the Westbrook for CP3 trade never took place. Oklahoma City had swap rights with the Clippers from the Paul George trade, so they look the 24th pick and left 27th overall to the Rockets. Houston traded this pick three times before it finally stuck with the Nets.

This was a wild path that involved several NBA legends. Fans know the first trade that did not eventually move the pick, but here is a closer look at how it ended up in Brooklyn.

Rockets’ 2025 1st round pick was traded for multiple stars

After the CP3 for Westbrook trade, the Rockets received a swap from Brooklyn in the James Harden deal. Houston would have made that swap if not for a subsequent trade. The Nets wanted their picks back to tank, so they gave Houston draft choices from Phoenix that they got in the Kevin Durant trade to secure their own capital. The Rockets’ 2025 pick wound up in Brooklyn via that pick swap. Houston ultimately traded that tenth pick back to Phoenix for Durant.

The 27th overall pick that turned into Danny Wolf was traded in three blockbuster deals before a player was selected. Houston doesn’t need another young talent. They are struggling to find minutes for Reed Sheppard, but their draft capital clearly has immense value.

The Rockets are ready to contend for the title in 2026. They just traded for Kevin Durant and hope their young talent can make another leap. Amen Thompson could become a superstar. Alperen Sengun is already an All-Star and has more room to grow. Sheppard, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore are the makings of an elite young core. They were just the second seed in the West and got KD. Expect Houston to be a serious threat.

The Houston Rockets have more draft capital and young talent to trade if they can find the right move. They believe in their roster but could land the finishing piece and become a true title threat. Anything is on the table, and there could be another draft pick that is dealt for multiple stars soon.