Podcast: Is 2025 the right time for Houston to make a superstar trade?
Podcast: Is 2025 the right time for Houston to make a superstar trade? A new episode of Locked on Rockets explores whether the 2025 offseason is the right time for Houston to make a superstar trade. Targets could include Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With general manager Rafael Stone calling the shots, are the Houston Rockets ready to make a star-level trade in the NBA's 2025 offseason?
Hosted by credentialed media members Jackson Gatlin and Ben DuBose, this week's episode of Locked on Rockets runs through the pros and cons of various scenarios.
Among the All-Star names discussed include Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown; and guard Devin Booker and forward Kevin Durant, each of the Phoenix Suns.
Discussion topics include what the hypothetical trades might look like, as well as potential sticking points in each negotiation — depending on what the surrounding roster would look like.
The show also explores the potential use of Fred VanVleet's expiring contract as a trade asset, particularly in the weeks leading up to the June 29 deadline to decide on his 2025-26 team option.
But, do the Rockets need to make a big move, at all? With Houston coming off a regular season with the NBA's fourth-best record, it's quite plausible that Stone and the Rockets might simply stay the course with a relatively young roster that should continue to improve, organically.
Relative to 2023-24, the Rockets improved from 41-41 and No. 11 in the Western Conference to 52-30 and No. 2 in the 2024-25 West standings. A similar bump in 2025-26 could lift Houston to the tier of legitimate title contenders.
With that in mind, Locked on Rockets runs through all the scenarios. Watch and/or take a listen!
More: Rockets, Fred VanVleet delay deadline for 2025-26 contract decision
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