Shams: If the Rockets want to continue to improve their roster or change their draft picks, Whitmore may be traded

June 27th News Shams listed Rockets young player Whitmore as a trading candidate when participating in the program this week.

After significantly reducing Van Vreet's salary for the 2025-26 season, the Rockets may have full middle-class specials in the upcoming 2025 NBA free market window. It is estimated that the starting salary for this full middle class exception is $14.1 million. This may be enough to attract an experienced veteran to help the Rockets identify the core squad of his current championship contender around the newly signed Durant.

Shams said of the Rockets: "Whitmore is a talented young player who has attracted attention in the league. If you are the Rockets, you can trade him for draft capital or a player who can help you right away. If they are going to enter the free market, or consider a trade, I think a player like Dillon Brooks, a forward player who can strengthen the position, may be interested in the Rockets."

Later, the salary expert Bobby Max, who participated in the show, mentioned Lakers forward Finney Smith.