Last season, both the Eastern and Western Conferences were competitive, but the Western Conference had more winning teams. The Eastern Conference had eight teams with 40 or more wins, while the Western Conference featured 11, including the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets gained momentum towards the end of the season, showcasing their young talent and competitive spirit. They finished with a 41-41 record, placing 11th and missing the playoffs, but they showed potential for the next season.
Houston is building a young core, and some current players may not fit into their future plans. To compete effectively in the stacked Western Conference, they might need to make some trades.
1.Fred VanVleet: VanVleet has a significant contract that the Rockets might consider moving.
Currently under the $170 million tax threshold with a payroll of $140.5 million, Houston may still look to shed some salary. VanVleet, who joined from the Toronto Raptors with championship experience, signed a three-year, $128 million deal and is set to earn $42.8 million in the second year. At 30, he doesn’t align with the younger talent the Rockets are developing, and with a team option for 2025-26, they might trade him this offseason or by the trade deadline.
Fred VanVleet – 2023-24 vs. Career Stats
| Category | 2023-2 | Career |
PPG 17.4 15.0
RPG 3.8 3.4
APG 8.1 5.7
FG% 41.6 40.6
3PT% 38 37.5
2. Steven Adams: Adams, 31, is injured and becomes a free agent after this season.
Adams, 31, is injured and becomes a free agent after this season. The Rockets acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, but Adams missed the entire 2023-24 season due to knee surgery. With no return timetable and being older than the core, the Rockets might try to trade him or release him if there are no suitors.
Steven Adams – Career Stats
PPG 9.2
RPG 8.2
APG 1.5
FG% 58.7
3PT% 6.7
3. Dillon Brooks: Brooks did not meet expectations in his first year with the Rockets after being traded from the Grizzlies as part of a sign-and-trade.
He signed a four-year, $86 million deal, but his performance was subpar, averaging 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. At 28, he is older than the Rockets’ young talent, and they might trade him this offseason or by the deadline.
Dillon Brooks – 2023-24 vs. Career Stats
| Category | 2023-24 | Career |
PPG 12.7 14.2
RPG 3.4 3.2
APG 1.7 2.0
FG% 42.8 41.8
3PT% 35.9 34.5
4. Jeff Green: Green, 38, is likely to stay with the Rockets due to his veteran presence, as they picked up his $8 million option.
He averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and less than one assist per game last season. Despite his age and limited fit with the team’s direction, his shooting (45.6% from the field, 33.1% from three) might make him useful for a team needing bench shooting. However, a trade is unlikely unless the Rockets cover his salary.
Jeff Green – 2023-24 vs. Career Stats
| Category | 2023-24 | Career |
PPG 6.5 12.0
RPG 2.3 4.1
APG 0.9 1.5
FG% 45.6 45.0
3PT% 33.1 33.7