The Houston Rockets would go to great lengths to secure a blockbuster trade

The Houston Rockets are coming off a surprising .500 season in which they were in the hunt for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

For head coach Ime Udoka and his teammates, it was great to see young players step up to key roles. This puts Houston in a good position to contend in the future.

But they apparently aren’t content with the status quo. After selecting Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard in the 2024 NBA draft, reports indicate the Rockets are going big game hunting.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports that the Rockets are looking to pull off a blockbuster trade for a key piece.

Houston gained more draft-asset flexibility in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week. At that point, reports suggested the Rockets were interested in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. But he’s apparently unavailable.

Slater also indicated that the Rockets were looking for a key player who would better fit their competitive schedule. That means a younger player in his prime. Durant is obviously not among the eligible players.

Related: Updated Houston Rockets Rumors

Who could the Houston Rockets target in a blockbuster trade?

According to the aforementioned report, the market for a player Houston wants could be limited. The team is reportedly looking for wing options to pair with players like Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. However, one of that group would likely be dealt in a blockbuster trade.

Houston had previously been linked to players like Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker and Zion Williamson. None of the three are expected to be available in the near future.

The Rockets could potentially turn to New Orleans Pelicans 26-year-old forward Brandon Ingram. He is reportedly on the trade list and would fit well in Houston. Since joining the Pelicans in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, Ingram is averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young is also potentially available in a trade. However, he doesn’t appear to be a good fit in the backcourt with VanVleet.

Regardless, expect Houston to do what it can to add a true star to its promising core group.