4 Non-Star Players the Houston Rockets Could Trade This Season

Everyone wants the Houston Rockets to trade for a star.

One minute they were about to acquire Kevin Durant. No, no, they acquired those picks from the Suns because they wanted Devin Booker. Yet Lauri Markkanen still seems to be on the horizon — until the Rockets trade for Zion Williamson.

Who knows? The Rockets could be bringing in one of these superstars soon. We’re not ruling out any possibility. With that in mind, we’re also not ruling out the possibility that the Rockets could trade for a smaller name.

Let’s say this team performs above expectations at the trade deadline. Would that force the Rockets to give up one of their key young players in a consolation trade for a star? Or would it be worth bolstering that core with a complementary player?

There’s a case to be made for both. If the Rockets decide to make a small play now, here are 4 non-star players we think could be considered.

If the Rockets are looking for role players, they might want to talk to teams that are facing a player shortage. They should look at role players who may not have a spot in their team’s current rotation.

Konchar could fit the bill. The Grizzlies were excited about Vince Williams Jr.’s emergence in 2023-24. They probably also see star potential in GG Jackson II. Is their wing rotation too crowded for Konchar?

If that’s the case, the Rockets could make room for him. Konchar is a career 36.0 percent three-point shooter. That’s not a particularly strong mark, but it’s a major upgrade over Jae’Sean Tate in terms of floor spacing. It’s also worth noting that Konchar shot 41.3 percent from three on 1.8 attempts per game in 2021-22.

He should also be a realistic target. Tate and some second-round draft capital should be enough for Konchar, and he makes a modest salary of about $6 million per season. Konchar won’t revolutionize the Rockets, but he could be a solid acquisition for them.