Rockets are open to trading No. 10 draw, KD letters enter the signing vision

According to Yahoo Sports reporter Kevin O'Connor, the Houston Rockets are evaluating the possibility of trading the No. 10 pick in the NBA Draft next month.

He wrote: "League sources expect the Rockets to seek to trade this lottery, whether it is an upward trade (for a higher pick), a trade star, or a set of future draft picks like the returns the Spurs received from the Timberwolves last year (Note: In 2024, the Spurs traded the No. 20 to the Timberwolves, and the Timberwolves moved to the No. 19 to Dillingham). "

The Rockets ranked second in the Western Conference with a record of 52 wins and 30 losses last season, showing a strong upward momentum. Despite being unfortunately eliminated after seven fierce battles with the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, Houston has proven to be competitive.

The core question at the moment is: Is the Rockets willing to make breakthroughs by introducing superstars? The two potential targets are Milwaukee Bucks forward Antetokounmpo and Phoenix Suns forward Durant, both of whom are deeply involved in trade rumors. However, Rockets general manager Raphael Stone does not seem to be in a hurry to complete the big deal.

On April 30, Stone told ESPN reporter Tim McMahon: "Any deal that changes the team's pattern needs to meet extremely high thresholds." McMahon added that this statement "highlights the team's optimistic expectations for the growth of existing young players, believing that their progress is enough to drive the Rockets to continue to rise."

The Rockets ultimately face two choices: one is to steadily cultivate the existing young core (supported by some veterans); the other is to try to accelerate the championship process by introducing top stars such as Antetokounmpo or KD. After the end of the season, McMahon pointed out: "Stone, head coach Udoka and boss Fertita reached a consensus, hoping to give young lineups room to grow together. Despite this, it is expected that the team will at least discuss internally the possibility of chasing stars in the trading market this summer."

Whether there are substantial actions in the future deserve attention. If a deal is reached, the No. 10 sign is likely to become one of the bargaining chips. In any case, the Rockets are clearly open to trades about the draft pick.