Rafael Stone: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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Rafael Stone was once the NBA’s pariah. It’s hard to recall now, but it’s true. He was the scourge of the league. How dare Stone engineer intentional losses?

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / September 20

Kevin Durant, Rafael Stone Explain Intricacies of Offseason Blockbuster Trade

The Houston Rockets have been in pursuit of a superstar for several years, waiting on the right opportunity to emerge. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant were atop their list of targets.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / September 19

Bleacher Report Cites Rockets as Offseason Winners

This summer was definitely a busy one for the Houston Rockets' front office. General Manager Rafael Stone and company were arguably the most active front office in the offseason. The team catapulted to second in the Western Conference last season, jumping to 52 wins.

Jalen Brunson News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active NBA 20-point game leaders' quiz

How many of the active NBA players to score 20 points in at least 200 games in their career can you name in seven minutes?

The 'Active 20-point, 10-assist NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NBA players with the most 40-point games in a season' quiz

The 'NBA's No. 1 picks turned RoY' quiz

Houston Rockets News / The SportsRush / September 13

Rockets GM Rafael Stone Lays Bare Heartfelt Truth on Trading Jalen Green for Kevin Durant

June 2025 saw one of the craziest deals in the NBA, when the Houston Rockets traded 2 of their key young players to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant and Clint Capela.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 players with the most successful post-NBA careers

Most NBA players, no matter how successful, are out of the league before the end of their 30s, or even their 20s. That leaves a lot of life left to live, and a good handful of players have made the most of their professional lives after leaving the court.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 25

Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka Being on Same Page has Led to Rockets' Success

The Houston Rockets have had an up-and-down several seasons. The decade started during one of the strangest years in not just NBA history but across the world.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 24

Rockets GM Rafael Stone Gives Surprising Insight on Kevin Durant Trade

Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Houston Rockets haven't had this level of hype surrounding the team since the era of James Harden and Chris Paul.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 24

Rafael Stone Says Rockets Are Still 'Hunters' This Upcoming Season

After the Houston Rockets and James Harden parted ways in 2021, the Rockets went into full rebuild mode. During Harden's Rockets career, especially after the signing of Dwight Howard and, eventually, the sign-and-trade for Chris Paul, the Rockets were seen as championship contenders year in and year out.

NBA News / Hoops Rumors / August 23

Rockets GM says Bucks weren’t willing to discuss major deal

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the target of trade speculation ever since the Bucks were ousted in the first round of the playoffs, but a rival general manager indicated that Milwaukee hasn’t been willing to discuss deals involving the two-time MVP.

NBA News / WI Sports Heroics / August 23

Rockets GM crushes Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

The Houston Rockets never had a real shot at acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now we know why. General manager Rafael Stone revealed that the Milwaukee Bucks immediately made it clear Giannis was not on the table, shutting down trade talks despite earlier speculation that Houston could be a surprise landing spot.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 21

Rockets Land High Offseason Grade from Bleacher Report

The 2025 offseason was the biggest one thus far for Houston Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone. Sure, he's had pivotal summers but the stakes were much higher this time around.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 18

Yahoo Sports: Rockets are Among NBA's Leading Title Contenders

Rafael Stone has worked tirelessly to improve the Houston Rockets' reputation around the league. The previous administration ran by Daryl Morey left players

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 18

Rockets’ Schedule Ranked Third-Easiest per Tankathon

The impending Rockets’ season is one of the more anticipated in some time, with the team officially entering contender status this offseason. The front office, led by decision-maker Rafael Stone, has done work around the fringes in building one of the deepest teams in the NBA.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 16

Rockets' Rafael Stone Ranked as NBA's Sixth-Best Front Office Executive

Rafael Stone had quite a bit of work to do upon taking over as the Houston Rockets General Manager. The Rockets were one of the NBA's oldest teams and were quite devoid of draft capital.

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The 'MLB active doubles leaders' quiz

The 'NFL undrafted receiving leaders' quiz

The 'NFL tight end receiving leaders' quiz

The 'Last 100-catch season by team' quiz

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 15

Yahoo Sports: Rockets' Rafael Stone is NBA's Best at Drafting Players

Although it was unknown at the time, Rafael Stone was the perfect person to spearhead the Houston Rockets front office at the time he inherited the job.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 12

CBS Sports Says Rockets Have Best Future Draft Capital

From a historical standpoint, the Houston Rockets have always been active on the trade front, regardless of who's been at the helm. Whether it be Carroll Dawson, whether it be Daryl Morey, or whether it be Rafael Stone, all of them have been unafraid to swing big.

NBA News / Yardbarker / August 11

Rockets taking tough negotiating stance with superstar

Fifteen-time All-Star Kevin Durant has received the maximum salary whenever he's wanted it during his NBA career. That might not be the case if he re-signs with the Houston Rockets.

Every Rockets fan’s second favorite team in 2025-26

Suns should trade Jalen Green for this All-Star

The post-draft, post-free agency NBA team power rankings

The 'Most three-pointers in one NBA season' quiz

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / August 5

Two Rockets' Extensions Earn A Grades from ESPN

The praise for the Houston Rockets' illustrious offseason this summer continues to roll in as ESPN's latest NBA Free Agency Reactions and grade for the biggest signings was released by Kevin Pelton this past weekend.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / July 30

Houston Rockets Rank Top Five in Free Agency Power Rankings

The Houston Rockets have been the beneficiaries of what some may call the best offseason in the NBA going into the 2025-26 season this fall. Their front office has been rated among the top five in several categories this summer, thanks to the moves their staff has made.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / July 24

Houston Rockets Management Earns Top Five Ranking Among NBA Front Office Rankings

It's no shock how much acknowledgment and praise Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has received throughout this offseason as he and his team gear up for the 2025-26 regular season coming up this fall.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / July 17

Rockets' Rafael Stone Draws Praise for Crafty Offseason Deal

Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone has drawn a bevy of skepticism from naysayers. Did he get enough back in the James Harden trade in 2021? Should he have wasted first-round draft picks on Josh Christopher and TyTy Washington?

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / July 9

Should the Houston Rockets Feel Pressured to Win the NBA Championship Next Season?

The Houston Rockets, without a doubt, have had one of the most successful offseasons this summer that the franchise has seen in its decorated history.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / June 26

Rafael Stone Has Exceeded Most People's Expectations as General Manager

When Darryl Morey decided he wanted to spend more time with his family and left his general manager position with the Houston Rockets, there was some concern about what would be next for the Rockets.

Houston Rockets News / Athlon Sports / June 9

Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone ‘ the Goal Is to Build a Championship’

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone faces another season of building a championship team this offseason. Stone has leaned heavily into drafting and development.

Houston Rockets News / Hoops Rumors / May 7

Rockets GM defends Jalen Green: 'One playoff series doesn't define a player'

Despite a 38-point outing in Game 2, fourth-year guard Jalen Green struggled mightily in the Rockets‘ first-round playoff series vs. Golden State, averaging 13.3 points per game with a .372/.295/.667 shooting line in the first seven postseason games of his career.

Houston Rockets News / NBA on ClutchPoints / May 6

Rockets GM Rafael Stone’s intriguing response to ‘flawed’ Jalen Green question

On Sunday evening, the Houston Rockets’ season came to a painful conclusion with a Game 7 home loss to the Golden State Warriors. It brought to an end any chance of a historic 3-1 comeback, and also concluded what was the first season of real success for Houston in several years.

Houston Rockets News / Hoops Rumors / December 11, 2024

Rockets GM seemingly responds to Jimmy Butler trade speculation

Rockets GM Rafael Stone clarified that he doesn’t plan to pursue a star on the trade market this season.

Every NBA Rookie of the Year award winner

The 'NBA champion Houston Rockets' quiz

Houston Rockets News / Hoops Wire / October 18, 2024

Rockets Preview: Houston On Rise, Now Must Decide Whether To Stay Patient Or Swing For The Fences

A look at the Houston Rockets entering the 2024-25 season … Coach: Ime Udoka Record: 41-41 (failed to make the playoffs) New Faces: Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, Jack McVeigh, N’Faly Dante Notable Losses: Reggie Bullock, Boban Marjanovic The Rockets have arrived at a pivotal moment, and it’s not just about what they could do.