The Rockets would have to accept this Cam Whitmore trade proposal

The Houston Rockets are likely to trade Cam Whitmore.

For some fans, that's a breath of fresh air. They're tired of Whitmore's excessive shot hunting. They don't see a future for him with the squad, so why not move on?

Others are heartbroken. Sure, Whitmore's game is rough around the edges. He's also 20 years old. Who's to say he won't develop into a winning player?

It's a moot point - the Rockets are likely to move him. This team is no longer interested in lending young players developmental reps. The Rockets are firmly in win-now mode, and that means putting winning players in the rotation.

Still, fans on both sides should be bracing for a mediocre return. That's what happens when a young player's minutes decline - their trade value tanks along with it. The Rockets won't get much for Whitmore:

Here's a deal I'd consider realistic.

Rockets acquire role player in trade proposal

If you think Whitmore is a budding star, you might stop reading SpaceCityScoop after this. Fair enough. Here's a request:

Don't shoot the messenger.

Again, Whitmore's value is in the gutter. Unless the Rockets plan on giving him a meaningful role - likely at the expense of the team's record - that's where it will remain. So, a trade feels inevitable.

In that context, the Rockets shouldn't expect much. They would be lucky to land a solid rotation player and some modest draft capital.

Is that happening here?

Rockets could use Konchar

Sure.

Konchar isn't a flashy player. He's not going to be an NBA star. At 29, that ship hasn't just sailed: It was never in the port at the first place.

In 2024-25, Konchar averaged just 12.1 minutes per game. He'd be lucky to see the same playing time on a contending Rockets team in 2025-26. Here's the rub:

Unlike Whitmore, Konchar won't have a problem with that.

Don't mistake that for a knock on Whitmore. His career is just getting underway. He's got a lot more potential than Konchar. Still, these are all factors that contribute to the Rockets' current problem.

Besides, Konchar is solid! He connected on 37.1% of his threes last year. At 6'5", he's a big guard who offers solid defense. Konchar isn't a starry playmaker, but he can also handle the ball in a pinch.

Look - this is strictly hypothetical. Who knows if Memphis would even be interested in Whitmore? Consider this a framework. If the Rockets do move Whitmore, a salary-matching veteran who might crack their rotation and a pair of second-rounders is a likely return.

Once more, don't shoot the messenger.