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3 Potential Trade Targets for the Houston Rockets Entering 2025-26 NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Houston Rockets put together an impressive season last year as they finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference, though they were unable to make it out of the first round of the playoffs as they fell to the Golden State Warriors.

Due to this, Houston felt as though they needed to make changes this offseason and they began the summer by acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to pair him alongside Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.

Houston also signed Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie in free agency to upgrade their depth with hopes of making a run at a championship this season.

Despite this, Houston could still look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their roster and if that is the case, they could target these three players.

Devin Booker

The Rockets have been linked to Devin Booker over the past few seasons and while the Suns have shown no interest in trading him, that could change with them beginning a rebuild.

For Houston, adding Booker would give them another star player on their roster along with another elite scorer alongside Durant and Sengun.

While acquiring Booker could make the Rockets into the title favorite this season, the Suns may continue to be unwilling to move ahead of the deadline.

Trae Young

Another star the Rockets could target is Trae Young, who the Atlanta Hawks could move due to him being a potential free agent next offseason.

Of course, the Hawks have yet to offer Young a new contract and many around the league believe they may look to move him, which could open the door for Houston to make a move.

The star guard would be a major upgrade to Houston’s point guard position as he would give them an elite 3-point shooter and playmaker, though Atlanta may elect to keep him this season.

Malik Monk

While the Rockets could target another star player to add to their roster, they could also look at other key bench piece and Malik Monk could be a potential target for them.

The veteran guard is coming off the best season of his career on the offensive end and he would give the Rockets a great scorer and improved playmaker in their second unit if they are able to land him.

Houston may also be able to acquire him at a cheap price as the Sacramento Kings have reportedly been looking to move him.

While Houston could target these three players, they could also look elsewhere to upgrade their roster as they try to make a run at a championship this season after their busy offseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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