The Houston Rockets are still breathing after they won Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Social media is abuzz with rumors of the franchise looking to move its big pieces, like Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, in the offseason and rebuild the squad. Some also suggested that after playing with a young team for a long time, team management might look at acquiring veterans.
Amid several speculations and rumors in the NBA world, let’s explore five superstars the Rockets can target to go into an overhaul.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo
First on this list and on every list this offseason is Giannis. The Rockets could go for an interchange of veterans with the Milwaukee Bucks and acquire the Greek Freak. If the team also decides to trade Sengun in the offseason, they can look to pair Giannis with Reed Sheppard. A young scoring guard does more than just shoot the ball, and he has proved that in the postseason.
#2 Kawhi Leonard
The LA Clippers suffered a harsh fate after the Claw had his best regular season, offensively, averaging 27.9 points. In the play-in game against the Golden State Warriors, he could just manage 21 points in 40 minutes. Even though he has one more season in his $149.5 million deal with the franchise, the Bucks might get lured by looking at his offensive surge. The Clips could not provide him much help, but the Rockets have plenty of options.
#3 Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid’s much-anticipated return party was ruined by the Boston Celtics in Game 4, and the center’s career hangs in question. Injuries have haunted him in the last three seasons, and he still didn’t look comfortable and healthy on the court. However, the Rockets might like to take a bet on the versatile center if they look to find a destination for Alperen Sengun. He is also under contract until the 2028-29 season (with player option) and is worth $62 million next season.
#4 Darius Garland
If the Rockets look to package a deal involving both Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, the team management might add Garland to the Kawhi Leonard mix. He was traded during the midseason trade period in exchange for James Harden. In the last game against the Warriors, the Clippers guard scored 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He is also an efficient facilitator, making winning plays. He is under contract until the 2027-28 season and will be worth $42 million.
#5 Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland is doing well in Round 1, but is tied 2-2 against the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors were never expected to give such offensive resistance to the Cavaliers. However, if something goes wrong and they lose the series, the franchise will surely look for a new superstar, and the Rockets might capitalize on that. He is on an expiring contract, which might make the decision easy for the Rockets.
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