As the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline approaches, the Houston Rockets are preparing to be active players in the market, potentially targeting some of the league’s top stars. According to reports, the Rockets could set their sights on four high-profile players, with Damian Lillard emerging as a prime candidate. Here’s an in-depth look at the potential targets, the Rockets’ strategy, and the reasoning behind their trade pursuit.
The Houston Rockets’ Strategy
The Rockets are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, one that began after the departure of former franchise centerpiece James Harden. Over the past few seasons, Houston has focused on developing its young core, with players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün leading the charge. However, the team has yet to make a significant leap toward playoff contention, which has raised questions about the timeline for their rebuilding efforts.
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, Houston’s front office will be looking to accelerate the process and build a competitive roster. One way to do this would be to target established stars who can bring immediate impact while mentoring the younger players. The Rockets are poised to take advantage of a volatile trade market in 2025, where high-profile players may become available due to various team dynamics. By acquiring one or more established stars, Houston hopes to fast-track its ascent toward playoff contention.
Damian Lillard: The Leading Target
The most intriguing name on the Rockets’ radar is undoubtedly Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers’ longtime franchise player has made it clear that he is seeking to play for a contender, and Houston could be an ideal landing spot. Lillard, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, would instantly elevate the Rockets’ offensive firepower.
Lillard’s potential fit in Houston is a no-brainer. As a dynamic point guard with deep range, Lillard could form an explosive backcourt alongside Jalen Green. Green, known for his scoring ability and athleticism, would benefit immensely from Lillard’s leadership and floor-spacing ability. The addition of Lillard could help the Rockets become a more cohesive offensive unit while also setting the stage for Green to develop into a more well-rounded player.
Defensively, Lillard may not be a standout, but his experience and leadership would be invaluable to the younger players on the roster. Houston could pair Lillard with a more defensive-minded player, such as the versatile Jabari Smith Jr. or the improving Alperen Şengün, to maintain a balanced lineup.
However, acquiring Lillard would likely require a significant package of assets, including young players and future draft picks. Portland may be looking to rebuild, and Houston’s young talent could be enticing for the Blazers. If the Rockets were able to pull off this trade, they would not only gain an elite scorer but also position themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
Other Potential Targets
While Lillard tops the list, the Rockets have also reportedly shown interest in other star players. Here are three more names that could be on their radar as the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline approaches:
1. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson has the potential to be one of the NBA’s most dominant players, but his career has been plagued by injuries. When healthy, Williamson’s unique combination of size, athleticism, and explosiveness makes him a matchup nightmare. The Houston Rockets could look to acquire him if the New Orleans Pelicans decide to move on, given Zion’s injury history and the Pelicans’ struggles to build a consistent contender around him.
For Houston, adding Williamson would give them a star-level talent capable of anchoring the frontcourt and adding a new dimension to their offense. Pairing Zion with Alperen Şengün could form a dynamic inside duo, with Zion handling the high-flying, rim-attacking duties while Şengün operates as a skilled passer in the post.
The biggest challenge would be Zion’s health, but if the Rockets believe that they can manage his injury concerns and help him return to his All-Star form, he could be a transformative player for their future.
2. Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)
Deandre Ayton, the former first overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has often been inconsistent. The Phoenix Suns have been rumored to be open to trading him in recent years, and Houston could take advantage of this uncertainty by acquiring the talented center.
Ayton is an elite rebounder and a solid rim protector, two areas in which the Rockets could use improvement. He also has the potential to be a reliable scoring option in the post, complementing Houston’s more perimeter-oriented players like Green and Smith. If the Rockets can unlock Ayton’s full potential, he could become the centerpiece of their frontcourt for years to come.
3. Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
Another name that has been linked to trade rumors in recent months is Trae Young. The point guard for the Atlanta Hawks has established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive talents, known for his deep shooting range and playmaking abilities. However, there have been reports of tension between Young and the Hawks’ front office, and Atlanta may be open to moving him if the right offer comes along.
For Houston, pairing Young with Lillard would create one of the most potent backcourts in the league. While both are primarily ball-dominant players, Young’s ability to set up others and Lillard’s off-the-ball movement would make them a dangerous offensive duo. Houston would need to figure out how to balance the backcourt minutes and ensure that both players can thrive, but acquiring Young would give them another high-level talent to build around for the future.
Conclusion
As the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline approaches, the Houston Rockets find themselves in a prime position to make significant moves to improve their roster. With a young core in place and a clear need for established stars, the Rockets could target players like Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson, Deandre Ayton, and Trae Young to speed up their rebuilding process. While it remains to be seen which players will become available and which trades will come to fruition, it is clear that the Rockets are determined to build a competitive roster that can contend in the Western Conference sooner rather than later.
