Rockets reportedly interested in trade for Jazz superstar

The Houston Rockets have their sights set on signing a superstar player. Stop me if you’ve heard that before.

The franchise has always needed top-tier players, dating back to Carroll Dawson’s days as front office manager. Daryl Morey picked up where Dawson left off, targeting players like Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and LeBron James in free agency.

The star-hunting approach wasn’t in vain, as Morey brought in James Harden, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, all via trade, while also landing the biggest free agent in the 2013 class in Dwight Howard.

This offseason, the Rockets’ list of desired star players was made public: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell and Mikal Bridges.

It depends on who/what you believe.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is expected to be added to the list. Lowe spoke The Lowe Post to discuss the Markkanen market and mentioned the Rockets as a potential destination for the star forward.

“Let’s start with Markkanen. He would fit in anywhere. We know the Warriors would be happy to get him at the right price. It would, theoretically, change the landscape of the Western Conference.

I brought up the Spurs as a possibility. The Rockets were brought up, simply because they have a million young players.

Lowe explained why he would be opposed to such a move, from the Rockets’ perspective, while explaining the shine and temptation for the franchise.

“Houston is a really interesting matchup for me, because I think if I were the Rockets, I’d just let this thing simmer. I’m not rushing into it, I just don’t know my team enough and how it all fits together and what all these players can do.

I know Ime Udoka and the coaching staff, they want to win. They want to accelerate now and Markkanen would be a good way to accelerate. It’s definitely an interesting team.”

Markkanen was selected to the All-Star team in 2022-23, while also winning Most Improved Player honors that same season, averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 49.9% field goals, 39.1% three-pointers, 87.5% free throws and 64% field goals. Last season, the 27-year-old averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 48% field goals, 39.9% three-pointers, 89.9% free throws and 63.1% field goals.

Markkanen becomes eligible for an extension on August 6.

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