The Houston Rockets have one of the most exciting young cores in the league. We all witnessed that first-hand during the regular season as Ime Udoka’s team secured the second seed in a stacked Western Conference with a late surge. However, their season came to an unexpected halt in the first round as they lost a hard-fought series against a seasoned Golden State team 4-3. Despite forcing a Game 7, there are a lot of questions as to what the Rockets plan to do this offseason to take them to the next level. There’s no doubt they have a ton of young talent, but they do lack something in their roster.

Indeed, Houston lacks a superstar, a battle-hardened player who would take the pressure off the team’s youngsters and shine in clutch situations. Who could that be? Well, while there might be more options available as teams bow out of the postseason, right now, the Rockets’ best bet could be Phoenix’s superstar, Kevin Durant. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, they are in the race for the Slim Reaper, who reportedly is looking to exit Arizona after two grueling seasons in the desert.

“That does not mean that they are completely out on the possibility of KD. Now, they’re not sending the Suns some bonanza package for KD. The Suns aren’t getting all their draft capital back.” MacMahon stated. He thinks that Houston is monitoring Durant’s situation closely, but won’t be willing to give much away.

Furthermore, McMahon’s counterpart, Brian Windhorst, revealed a checklist for Houston to strike a deal with Kevin Durant. “For a KD trade to happen, you’re going to need three layers of agreement, three corners of agreement. One, KD is going to have to want to go to where they send them because he is on the record saying he wants to have control over the end of his career. And I think that’s a check for Houston with the agenda of that team. Two, it’s got to be a deal the Suns are willing to do. They’ve got to agree to the trade, right? That’s a big one right there. Seems obvious, but I’m going to point that out. Three, there has to be an agreement on KD’s contractual situation going forward.” Windhorst said on his podcast, ‘Brian Windhorst & The Hoops Collective.‘

The ESPN Insider indicated that KD wants full control of the twilight of his career. Moreover, it should be a deal that the Phoenix Suns are willing to do. Well, the Rockets do have all the required assets. They own Brooklyn’s swapped, Suns’ 2025 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick as well. Plus, Houston’s GM Rafael Stone has previously indicated a focus on internal development unless a clear ‘franchise-changer’ becomes available. Even though at 36 years old, KD doesn’t particularly fit the Rockets’ timeline, he will give Houston what they need: a bona fide superstar.

So, Houston does seem the most likely destination for Kevin Durant. Apart from draft capital, the Houston Rockets also have plenty of pieces to work with. The likes of Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and even Reed Sheppard could sweeten the pot for Phoenix. So, everyone will await Houston’s decision as we get into the offseason. Meanwhile, they might also have a chance to bolster their young core even more.

A major Cooper Flagg opportunity arises for the Rockets

As we get closer to the 12th of May, every NBA fan is wishing that their team lands the coveted No. 1 lottery pick, or you could say the golden ticket to land Duke’s superstar, Cooper Flagg. Not too long ago, the Houston Cougars fell short against the Florida Gators in the NCAA National Championship Final. Despite the unfortunate loss, good news could be on its way for Houston basketball. You might be thinking, how? Well, the previous two times the Cougars have lost in a national championship game, they’ve landed the No. 1 pick the following season. A mere coincidence? Maybe, or maybe not. Who knows?

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there’s hope that Houston might just land Flagg. “May 12th on ESPN. It might even be on ABC. I can’t remember. Cooper flag lottery. The Houston Rockets have a 17% chance of ending up in the top four. A 4% chance of winning the Cooper flag sweepstakes, courtesy of the Phoenix Suns via the Brooklyn Nets.” Windhorst reported. “That pick, even if it just stays right where it’s at, which is ninth, and Reed Shepard are a heck of a way to start a negotiation. The Rockets do not lack ammunition. They’ve got that.” Sure enough, draft capital is not something the Rockets lack. Moreover, even if they don’t land the first pick, even a ninth pick with a few tradable pieces might turn a lot of heads.

It’s a no-brainer that Cooper Flagg would be an ideal fit for the Rockets. Especially given the timeline of their roster. Just the idea of Flagg suiting up next to the likes of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson makes you have goosebumps. Moreover, Ime Udoka has built this team around a sound defense and versatile style of play, which are two of Cooper Flagg’s biggest strengths. While a 4% chance might sound low, remember, stranger things have happened in the league. Just last year, the Atlanta Hawks won the lottery with similar odds. So, it will be interesting to see if Cooper Flagg ends up in Houston; if he does, the teams in the West should fasten their seatbelts.