Kevin Durant is making Rockets' trade deadline move more likely by the day

When the Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from Phoenix this offseason, they catapulted into the conversation of potential championship contenders.

That doesn't mean doubts completely went away, in fact, they were probably magnified when Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in September. But 21 games into the regular season, Houston is sitting at 15-6 and fourth place in the Western Conference.

Durant is averaging 25/5/4 and leading the way as the veteran presence they acquired him for to be a complementary piece to the rising stardom of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. And for the first time in a few seasons, the trade deadline is ever so important for Houston.

February's Trade Deadline could be difference maker in Rockets' championship hopes

In order to compete for the Western Conference and NBA Title and compete with the likes of Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, the Rockets will need to be adamant at the Feb. 5 trade deadline this season.

While Thompson and Sheppard are filling the hole left by VanVleet's injury, their most pressing need is obviously is a veteran point guard.

Rumors lately have included a pair of familiar faces in James Harden and Chris Paul. Paul, 40, was shockingly released by the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 3 after reports that him and head coach Tyronn Lue were clashing over differing styles.

As for Harden, the league's 10th best all-time scorer is averaging 27 points in his first 23 games but is stuck on a Clippers team that is currently 6-18 and 14th in the Western Conference. Harden, the former Rocket, has been a trade rumor over the recent weeks which includes a potential reunion with Houston.

Comparing the two, Harden seems the most likely candidate for Houston to pursue. He's currently having one of the best starts to a season in recent years and has history with Durant in OKC and USA Basketball.

The Rockets have also been linked to Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, which could be huge to pair with Durant. Houston's second glaring need is center depth with Steven Adams' age and injury health hampering him from playing back-to-backs and the underwhelming performance of Clint Capela.

Trading for Giannis could disrupt the future blueprint Tilman Fertitta has spent building over recent years but could give them one of the best chances to win an NBA title over the next couple of seasons. If Houston was smart, they'd opt for one of the point guards or go after a star big on a flailing West rival.