Rockets Agree to Huge Trade With Nets, Now Focused on Adding Superstar in New Deal

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets talks to Jalen Green #4 during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 07, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. The Rockets are gearing up for a very big offseason.

The Brooklyn Nets were very busy on Tuesday night — and the Houston Rockets appear to be on their way to getting very busy.

First, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Brooklyn was sending star forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for a haul of picks.

Then, Wojnarowski reported Brooklyn was making a second trade, this one with the Rockets. Here are all the details (warning: it's confusing):

Brooklyn is re-acquiring their 2026 first-round pick from the Houston Rockets which was initially moved in their trade involving James Harden. In return, Houston is receiving the Phoenix Suns' 2027 first-round pick and the right to swap Houston's or the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 first-round pick for the Suns' 2025 first-round pick. They also get the more favorable 2029 first-round pick between the Dallas Mavericks and Suns, and have the right to swap their first-round pick for the less favorable of Dallas' and Phoenix's first. Houston also is giving up the right to swap a first-round pick with Brooklyn for their 2025 first-round pick.

So, what does this all mean?

For the Nets, they now control their own first-round picks in 2025 and 2026 as they enter a rebuild with the loss of Bridges and a haul of picks.

For the Rockets, it means the beginning of what should be a very eventful offseason.

Following the trade, Wojnarowski reported the Rockets will pursue a trade for a superstar this offseason, starting with Phoenix Suns' star Kevin Durant.

"The implications of the Rockets landing the Suns' picks? Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant and that becomes far easier if they can return the Suns' picks that they gave up in the Durant deal to the Nets," Wojnarowski wrote. "Suns have said they're keeping Durant for now, but that could change next season. But now, Houston has the picks to make the Suns whole again."

Wojnarowski then mentioned a different trade scenario involving the Suns and Rockets.

"Rockets possess a pick swap with Suns in 2025, Suns' pick in 2027 and could end up with the Suns' pick in 2029 based on contingencies," Wojnarowski wrote. "If the Suns are ever faced with breaking up team, Houston's also in prime position to pursue a younger Devin Booker. For now, Phoenix is trying to win."

With the Suns trying to win, though, Houston may not wait around. Either way, Wojnarowski says they'll be ultra-aggressive in adding a superstar this offseason.

"As intrigued as the Rockets have been about Durant, they're determined to use the Suns picks to be aggressive on deals elsewhere now, sources tell ESPN," Wojnarowski wrote. "Phoenix has made it clear that they want to run it back with this group, and Houston is seeking a major upgrade now."

So, Houston is clearly going star-hunting this offseason, whether it be with the Suns or another team. Bridges was likely one of the players on the Rockets' radar, but he's now in New York.

There will still be plenty of superstars likely available for trade this offseason, including Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George, former Rocket and current Clipper James Harden, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, and potentially even Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.

George would likely be the best fit of the bunch as a 3-and-D wing who can fit in perfectly alongside a backcourt of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green. However, it remains to be seen what happens with his future in Los Angeles, or the potential interest from a team like the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nevertheless, the Rockets are in prime position to add a superstar to a team that showed great promise this past season. The Rockets went 41-41, falling just short of the No. 10 seed and a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

They should only improve in 2024-25, though, and will now aim to add a true superstar to the mix. Houston also has the No. 3 pick in Wednesday night's NBA Draft (courtesy of Brooklyn) and should have their fair share of good prospects to choose from.

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