The Houston Rockets took a massive step forward in 2025, finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference. Even though they fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Warriors in seven games, the future is bright in Houston.
Taking another leap towards true championship contention, however, will be even harder. The Rockets have a ton of young talent and future assets. Finding the right balance between winning now and prioritizing the future will be crucial for GM Rafael Stone.
One mock trade proposal by Bill Simmons misses the mark in finding that balance. In the latest episode of his show, the popular podcaster throws out a trade idea in which the Rockets send Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and the tenth-overall pick in the draft for Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday.
This would be a short-sighted move that the Rockets shouldn't be interested in.
Rockets Should Not Consider Bill Simmons' Ridiculous Trade Proposal
Even though Brown and Holiday are valuable veterans who would start on the Rockets, they present significant challenges. Brown is under contract for four more seasons with an average annual salary of $59 million. Holiday is about to hit 35 and is under contract for three more years. Considering how much of a step back he took this year, he is at a serious risk of being a toxic contract.
Smith and Eason are both talented young players with serious upside. They are defensive difference-makers who have only scratched the surface on the offensive side of the ball.
Houston's future will be centered around Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, two players who have yet to turn 23. They don't have a reason to accelerate the process. Giving up two key pieces and a lottery pick for two aging veterans on potentially bad contracts would hamstring Houston when its core is ready to contend.
The Rockets should certainly explore trade possibilities this offseason. Anyone not named Şengün and Thompson could be moved, but the return has to be players who fit Houston's timeline and financial structure.