Rockets must follow clear blueprint to become serious title contender

The Houston Rockets entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the West, but bowed out in the first round after a Game 7 loss to the Warriors. It was a good learning experience for Houston, but it showed that the Rockets have a lot of work to do to reach the championship stage.

After Houston's season ended, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that it is "anticipated" that the front office will have internal discussions this offseason about pursuing a star. That star could be Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant. The Athletic's Kelly Iko and Sam Amick reported on May 12 that the Rockets have "significant reservations" about trading for Durant, despite his interest. His age (he'll be 37 before next season starts) doesn't match Houston's timeline.

However, trading for Antetokounmpo would be a different story. He turned 30 last December and hasn't shown signs of slowing down. Giannis wants to win a second title, something the Bucks aren't in a position to do. He hasn't decided on his future yet. ESPN's Brian Windhorst did report that if the superstar had control, he'd want to be traded to another Eastern Conference team, but that doesn't mean you can count the Rockets out.

Rockets might follow in steps of conference finals teams

The four teams that made it to the conference finals — Thunder, Timberwolves, Pacers, and Knicks — all made a major trade that led them in that direction. OKC traded for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2019 as part of the Paul George deal, Minnesota traded Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo last October, Indiana traded Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento for Tyrese Haliburton in 2022 and acquired Pascal Siakam in 2023, and the Knicks acquired KAT and Mikal Bridges last offseason.

Houston values its young core, but being one of the last teams standing in the playoffs in the next few years might require the Rockets to cash in their assets for a star. The West is only getting stronger with each passing season. San Antonio traded for De'Aaron Fox in February, and still has the assets and young talent to make another splash. Dallas shortened its title window by trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis before the deadline, but the organization's trajectory changed after landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. OKC isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

The Rockets could shift gears and decide to make a major trade this summer. Trading for Durant would be a high-risk move, but it might play in Houston's favor with a title. Trading for Giannis would be a dream scenario, but it'd mean giving up more in return. There is a price you must pay to win a title, though.

Perhaps Houston will be conservative this summer, opting to keep its young players together. If the right opportunity presents itself, the front office may make a league-altering move.