Pre-Draft Outlook
Houston reportedly agreed to a trade with Phoenix to acquire Kevin Durant in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 Draft and five future second-round draft picks. The two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP and 8th-leading scorer in NBA history adds a veteran presence to a young Houston squad that was ousted in the first round of the playoffs by Golden State. However, it does leave the Rockets without a first round pick in the upcoming draft.
The Way To Go
The Rockets will make the pick at No. 10 for the Suns and trade the player’s draft rights to Phoenix once the deal is consummated (July 6 is the soonest it can happen). Unless the Rockets have other deals in the works, their only pick will be the 59th and final selection of the draft. At that point, Houston should look at the best player available or a potential sleeper with major upside down the line. Previous drafts have proven that impact talent can be found deep into the draft, such as Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili was the 57th pick in 1999 and two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas was the 60th and final pick in 2011.
— Brian Martin
Here’s a quick look at Houston’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Jalen Green
G: Reed Sheppard
G: Nate Williams
G/F: Dillon Brooks
G/F: Amen Thompson
F: Tari Eason
F: David Roddy
F: Jabari Smith Jr.
F: Cam Whitmore
C: Jock Landale
C: Alperen Sengun
Free Agents
G: Aaron Holiday
G: Fred VanVleet
G/F: Jack McVeigh
F: Jeff Green
F: Jae’Sean Tate
C: Steven Adams
C: N’Faly Dante