Rockets rumor roundup at the trade deadline

The 2024 NBA trade deadline is today at 2 PM central and we've got you covered for all of the latest, as the Houston Rockets seek to add to their roster, in hopes of reaching the play-in tournament. 

It's well-known that the Rockets held talks with the Brooklyn Nets, as they were interested in acquiring Mikal Bridges, along with many other teams. Those talks didn't go anywhere, which isn't a bad thing. 

However, the Rockets have remained in contact with the Nets, as they're also interested in Royce O'Neale, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. 

"Following an aggressive pursuit of Nets forward Mikal Bridges, as first reported by HoopsHype, the Houston Rockets expressed interest in another Nets player, league sources told HoopsHype – Royce O’Neale."

Scotto reports that the asking price for O'Neale could be multiple second-round picks as he has a robust market. All told, the Suns, Lakers, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Kings, and Bucks have expressed interest in O'Neale, along with the Rockets. 

The Rockets have also registered interest in Phoenix Suns guard Malcolm Brogdon, the Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23, according to Scotto. 

"Brogdon has drawn interest from several teams, including the 76ers, Knicks, Lakers, and Rockets most notably, league sources said. While the prevailing thought from rival executives for months was a future first-round pick could land Brogdon, Portland has resisted moving Brogdon and rival teams are skeptical Portland will part with the veteran guard by Thursday’s deadline."

Elsewhere, the Rockets have sought to add a reserve big man for the remainder of this season, as newly-acquired center Steven Adams won't be available until 2024-25. Kelly Olynyk has been the apple of GM Rafael Stone's eye.

"Olynyk has drawn significant interest across the league, including from the 76ers, Celtics, Rockets, Knicks, Heat, Warriors, and more teams."

Scotto reports that the asking price on Olynyk will be "at least a first-round pick".

Rockets players drawing interest around the league 

Rockets utility player Jae'Sean Tate has developed a bit of a market, with the Phoenix Suns remaining interested in the Ohio State product.

"The Suns are looking to upgrade on the wing and have expressed interest in several players, including Miles Bridges, Royce O’Neale, Jae’Sean Tate, and others.

Nassir Little and multiple second-round picks have been dangled in trade talks for O’Neale and Tate, league sources told HoopsHype."

Scotto reports that the Rockets are seeking a late first-round pick or multiple second-round picks in exchange for Tate. Rockets reserve guard Aaron Holiday, who has been the Rockets' best long-range shooter at 40.2 percent from three, has also developed a market, as several teams around the league are looking for veteran guards with the proven ability to shoot.