In the 2024-25 season, the young Houston Rockets have shown tremendous progress. This team was once a rebuilding and struggling squad just a few years ago, but in a short span of time, the Rockets have finally gotten back on track with their rebuild. Last season, under the leadership of new head coach Udoka, the Rockets managed to bring their win rate back to 50%, just a step away from making it into the playoff play-in tournament. This season, the Rockets have made even further strides, with an even better record.
So far this new season, the Rockets have achieved a record of 20 wins and 9 losses, ranking second in the Western Conference. For a young rebuilding team, such significant progress is heartwarming. Of course, while the Rockets' current record is commendable, whether they can maintain it until the end of the season remains uncertain. The team still has certain shortcomings, one of which is the lack of a true core player capable of delivering in critical moments.
The young players on the Rockets are all very talented, but none of them possess the ability to become the mainstay of a team. To find their core, the Rockets may need to achieve this through major trades or free-agent signings. According to previous reports, the Rockets were once very keen on trading for Suns veteran star Kevin Durant. However, obtaining a player of Durant's caliber is quite challenging. Additionally, the Rockets are also keeping an eye on the movements of stars from other teams in the league.
In recent days, the actions of Kings' backcourt core De'Aaron Fox have drawn close attention from the Rockets. According to media reports, Fox is very dissatisfied with the Kings' performance and may be considering leaving. Several teams hope to acquire Fox, and the Rockets are among them. If the Kings were to trade Fox, the Rockets have a rich package of assets that could impress the Kings.
Over the past couple of days, American media has proposed a trade scheme between the Rockets and the Kings involving Fox. The specifics are as follows:
Kings send out:
Fox, Huerter
Rockets send out:
VanVleet, Sheppard, Whitmore
First-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029
Trading three players plus three first-round draft picks for Fox is undoubtedly a very sincere offer. Some might argue that the Rockets are giving up too much. In reality, if they can truly obtain a star of Fox's level, such an offer from the Rockets is entirely worth it. Neither Sheppard nor Whitmore are part of the Rockets' future, and the three first-round draft picks are not assets the Rockets would be unwilling to part with. Acquiring Fox could really make the Rockets take off.
Will Fox, who scored 60 points in a single game this season, be the final answer for the Rockets' backcourt? Let's wait and see!