1 Rockets trade target on every team in the Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves

When the Rockets went on a spending spree in last summer's free agency, it was reported that they liked Reaves. It seemed like Houston may be willing to offer him an (overly) lucrative contract.

Luckily, they did not. Reaves averaged 15.9 points per game while shooting 36.7% from three-point range in 2024-25. Those are solid numbers, but overpaying for Reaves would have been a mistake.

By now, his market should have corrected itself. Reaves would be costly on the trade market, but he should be affordable. If the Lakers are sellers this year, the Rockets may be willing to pay the price it would cost to land him.

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson

We struggled with this one.

The initial instinct was to go with Brandon Ingram. That didn't feel right. Ingram has developed into a mid-range heavy player. That's fine, but it doesn't compliment any of whichever young Rockets would be leftover after a deal.

There was a temptation to name Herbert Jones. He's among the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Jones can play with anyone, and that's exactly why we decided he's unlikely to be available.

It was Williamson. It was always Williamson. The Rockets' interest in him has long been rumored, and when healthy, he's looked like a franchise-caliber talent. If the Pelicans make him available, we wouldn't be surprised to see Houston make a run at him.