Rockets must not pass on rare opportunity to add superstar guard at a discount

The Houston Rockets have increased their star power.

That's what happens when you add Kevin Durant to the mix. He's one of the most prolific and talented scorers in NBA history. He's got a high profile. You add Durant to your team, and people start talking.

The Rockets have acted accordingly. Signing Dorian Finney-Smith was a sensible next choice after adding Durant. The team has the legendary Slim Reaper surrounded by quality role players.

Some have questioned whether he's surrounded by enough star power. Alperen Sengun will play a pivotal role in Houston's 2025-26 offense. Time will tell whether Amen Thompson is ready to do the same. The Rockets have Durant playing with the most depth and defensive versatility he's potentially ever had, but they could be light on offensive creation.

Now, Bleacher Report is linking them to a target who could substantially change that.

Rockets linked to star guard

They're suggesting the Rockets should go after Damian Lillard. This is a shocking turn of events:

Ordinarily, Damian Lillard wouldn't even be available.

The Bucks made a bold choice by waiving him and stretching his salary. It's difficult to recall a player of Lillard's caliber getting waived. It was likely the best decision for both the player and the team, but the news sent shockwaves around the league.

Now, the star guard who put a dagger in the 2014 Rockets' hearts is a free agent. Lillard will spend most of the year rehabbing a torn Achilles. The Bucks are paying him anyway, so he might be available for the veteran's minimum.

If so, the Rockets ought to bounce on him.

Rockets can't pass on star guard

It's been suggested that Lillard could return for the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA playoffs. If he resembles the player he was last year, that could be enough to push the Rockets over the top.

In 2024-25, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game in 58 contests. He had a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 4.0 and a True Shooting % (TS%) of 62.1%.

Put differently: That version of Lillard would be by far the best guard on this roster.

Granted, an Achilles tear is a frightening thing. There's no guarantee that Lillard can return to that form. Here's the rub:

If he's even 75% of the player, he'll be the most dynamic offensive guard on this roster.

There's no logical reason to avoid this addition. Sure, the Rockets have Fred VanVleet. Reed Sheppard needs minutes. Those are inconsequential concerns when we're talking about adding Lillard at a veteran's minimum. That's the kind of high-value move that can result in an NBA title:

It could give the Rockets too much star power to overcome.