3. Trade for a star
As always, it takes two to tango. We're talking about options that the Rockets should consider, but we don't know what options will be available to them.
Will a star shake loose? We're not sure. We do know this: the third overall pick will get the Rockets much closer to landing one than the ninth overall pick would.
The Rockets should tread lightly here. They've been linked to Mikal Bridges before, and they will be again before the draft unfolds. If the Nets would accept a package built largely around the third pick, the Rockets could entertain that possibility.
Otherwise, they should be hoarding assets unless a true superstar becomes available. The Rockets have a lot of ammunition to make a blockbuster deal. They shouldn't weaken their cache just to make marginal gains in 2024-25.