The Houston Rockets are considered a threat to reach the Western Conference Finals, or further, as their trade for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant this past summer has worked out well so far. However, the team is still seeking to address some potential weaknesses. A new report by some top NBA insiders suggests they do not view one multi-time All-Star as a possible solution.
Which Multi-Time All-Star Is Not on the Rockets’ Radar?
NBA insiders Sam Amick, David Aldridge, John Hollinger, Fred Katz, and Mike Vorkunov composed their league-wide front office evaluations on The Athletic. They revealed that the Rockets are not interested in acquiring Memphis Grizzlies franchise point guard Ja Morant.
The insiders said, “As has been the case so often in recent years, the Rockets found a way to get what they wanted without shortening the team’s shelf life by making desperate moves. Case in point, league sources say they’re not interested in pursuing Memphis’ Ja Morant despite having lost veteran point guard Fred VanVleet for the season with a torn ACL.”
The insiders added that Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone values the team’s young players, which suggests they’ll continue to lean on Amen Thompson and Reed Shephard at point guard.
The Rockets are currently third in the Western Conference standings with a 15-6 record. They’re able to win games on both sides of the ball, as they currently rank in the NBA’s top 10 in key offensive metrics like scoring and offensive rating, while also ranking in the top 10 defensively in scoring defense and defensive rating.
Cleared for takeoff ✈️
Enjoy our flights of the month!@EVAAirUS | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/QQEZZQeSjg
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 11, 2025
Despite VanVleet’s absence, the Rockets have actually improved their assist ranking this season, rising from 28th last year to 22nd this year. Thompson has improved as a playmaker, and center Alperen Sengun continues to solidify his place as one of the best passing big men in the NBA, averaging a career high 7.1 assists per game.
The Rockets can probably afford to wait for a player who truly fits their system, as Durant has. However, their reported lack of interest in Morant is another sign of Morant’s declining value around the league. Morant has missed the Grizzlies’ last 10 games while dealing with a right calf strain, and the team has gone 7-3 without him in the lineup.
He’s having the worst season of his career, averaging 17.9 points per game, while shooting a career low 35.9% from the field and 16.7% from three. The two-time All-Star isn’t making up for his poor shooting defensively, and seems to have a disconnect with Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Lisalo.
Morant is also squarely in the middle of his five-year $197,230,450 max contract, which is also harming his trade value. The Grizzlies will likely try to trade him this upcoming summer, but the Rockets’ current view of him may be the consensus among NBA teams.
