The Houston Rockets are coming into the offseason with a unique learn on their roster than they’d a yr in the past, and that has pushed Amen Thompson right into a separate tier from everybody else on the group.
In keeping with Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, rival groups which have lately contacted Houston have been informed that Thompson is the one close to untouchable on the roster. Iko reported that the Rockets are not working with a easy “run it again” strategy after a season that uncovered how a lot work nonetheless stays earlier than they’ll be a part of the West’s prime tier.
That shift follows a yr during which Houston’s ceiling was examined by accidents and by the boundaries of an incomplete roster. The Rockets gained 52 video games after trading for Kevin Durant final July, however season-ending accidents to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams undercut the construction that had helped them management tempo and possessions.
Iko’s reporting suggests the entrance workplace got here away from the Western Convention finals and NBA Finals with a clearer sense that the group continues to be a number of strikes away from true competition.
Thompson’s standing displays each his manufacturing and his trajectory. The 23-year-old is coming into his fourth season and has already change into certainly one of Houston’s Most worthy two-way items. In 2025-26, he averaged 18.3 factors, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 79 video games, capturing 53.4% from the sphere whereas dealing with a significant workload because the group’s major initiator. He additionally completed eighth in Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting.
That mixture offers Houston a uncommon participant to construct round. Thompson’s dimension, athleticism and flexibility make him the form of guard who can affect each ends of the ground with out requiring the offense to be absolutely rebuilt round him. Iko reported that the Rockets have already communicated their intentions on Thompson and plan to proceed talks after the draft as they transfer towards a profitable extension.
Houston’s broader strategy seems extra versatile. Iko reported that the Rockets are usually not actively buying their different key gamers, however they’re extra keen to hear than they had been at earlier factors within the cycle. Tari Eason stays a precedence to maintain regardless of exterior curiosity, whereas VanVleet is anticipated again both through his $25 million participant possibility or via an extended deal.
One doable transfer might contain Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran ahead, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal final offseason, handled lingering ankle points and posted profession lows in a number of statistical classes. His contract might assist Houston create the room it wants if the group desires to make a run at free company and reshape its bench.
