The Houston Rockets might consider making a drastic move heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite finishing the regular season with the second-best record in a competitive Western Conference, the Rockets’ postseason aspirations ended in the first round at the hands of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Given that the Rockets were the biggest surprise of last season and managed to secure a top-two seed despite having a young and relatively inexperienced roster, many fans wonder what move the team will make with the 10th pick in the upcoming draft (via Phoenix). A former NBA executive suggested the organization might seek a way to secure a higher pick.
Analyst Floats Idea of Rockets Trading Up To Draft Dylan Harper
As things stand, the Rockets hold the No. 10 pick. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo mocked them to select Kasparas Jakučionis, a young basketball prospect from Lithuania. However, the team might be able to secure a higher pick if it reaches an agreement with the San Antonio Spurs or Philadelphia 76ers.
The Spurs have the No. 2 pick and are expected to draft Dylan Harper. Although it might make sense to pair Harper with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, the organization could consider trading the pick to acquire an established star.
John Hollinger, former vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, wrote in an article for The Athletic about a scenario in which the Rockets could potentially acquire Harper if they find a way to move up in the draft.
“The other scenario you wonder about with San Antonio and Philadelphia is trading down, perhaps to acquire a more immediately helpful talent while still staying in the draft,” he said. “For instance, the Brooklyn Nets have the eighth pick and Cameron Johnson; could they dangle an unprotected future New York Knicks pick plus No. 8 and Johnson to get up to the top three, especially for a win-now team like Philly?”
Hollinger continued, “Would the Spurs swap No. 2 for No. 5 with the Utah Jazz to get Lauri Markkanen (perhaps with other sweeteners from the San Antonio end), and would the Jazz go for something like that? Could the Houston Rockets use one of their unprotected future Phoenix Suns picks to entice a move from No. 10 to No. 2 and snag Harper?”
In that scenario, the Rockets could draft Harper with the No. 2 pick. Although Cooper Flagg is widely considered the best in his class and viewed as a generational talent, Harper is also seen as someone who could contribute immediately, though the Rockets are more likely to pursue a veteran addition than another draft prospect.
Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists during his freshman season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Although it remains to be seen whether his game will translate to the professional level, the Rockets might be willing to take that risk.
As things stand, the Rockets are one of the few teams in the league with a significant stockpile of assets. The organization will soon face a difficult decision: add an established superstar such as Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, or continue building around a young core.