Houston Rockets Early Second Round Trade Options

The Houston Rockets held on and selected Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. With pick No. 44 due on Day 2, the team isn’t done dealing yet during the event. They can trade if they don’t like either prospect, or even trade earlier in the second round to try to maximize second-round value.

Who are potential trade targets if the Rockets try to reach the early stages of the second round?

An obvious selection looks like Duke Center Kyle Filipowski. Sure, it might seem redundant to have a center with someone like Alperen Sengun on the roster, but projected first-round talent has slipped in the draft, and the Rockets could turn to his advantage.

Filipowski had two good seasons as a Blue Devil, averaging 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a sophomore. He’s a potentially versatile big man who could be worth trading in the second round to Houston.

After the addition of Sheppard, it doesn’t appear that the team needs to look to add another guard, leaving the forward and center positions as the most likely targets. Kansas’ Johnny Furphy could be a prospect the Rockets could look to secure. The 2.01m winger was also a projected talent in the first round, having also slipped. This is more of a development project in Houston.

Although Furphy only shot 35% from 3-point range as a freshman, he’s shaping up to be a solid shooter while adding size on the wing – an archetype the Rockets could benefit from .

Finally, 6-foot-11 forward Tyler Smith of G League Ignite would be a rookie worth promoting. The versatile big forward averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game coming off the bench. The 19-year-old is another raw prospect in need of development.

READ MORE: Top 3 Draft Targets for the Rockets with the 44th Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the rockets on Facebook and Follow us on twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Rockets news. You can also meet the team behind the cover.