The Houston Rockets are hoping to take another massive leap forward after being one of the most improved teams in the league last season. That leap will be even more difficult than going from a lottery team to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. In order to continue on the path of progress, the Rockets need to nail their offseason decisions.
Finding the right balance in winning in the present without jeopardizing the future is a tough task for any GM. Rafael Stone will have to strike that balance this summer as the pressure of making a win-now mode intensifies.
The Rockets are in an excellent spot with a ton of young assets with trade value and significant draft capital. In theory, they should be able to make the best offer out of any team in the league for any star player on the trade block. That includes the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, or any of the Celtics' starters besides Jayson Tatum.
In these trade negotiations, Houston needs to make sure Amen Thompson isn't a part of them. Out of all the young talent the Rockets have, Thompson is the one name that should be kept out of any trade package, regardless of who they get in return.
Rockets Should Be Open to Moving Anyone Not Named Amen Thompson
This may come as a surprise to some, as Alperen Sengun was the obvious best player on the team last season. Sengun is a deserved All-Star who took a massive step forward defensively. He should be a priority for Houston as well.
At the same time, if it's between Thompson and Sengun in a potential trade, the former should be the untouchable one.
Thompson is the one Rockets player who has the superstar upside. He has already taken a huge leap in Year 2, proving himself as one of the defenders in the league. His physical tools and athleticism are unparalleled in the league. Combine that with his playmaking and scoring ability, and you already have a high-level starter-caliber player. If he can improve his shooting to an even passable level, the Rockets could have a superstar in their hands in no time.
That is an upside that you simply don't give up on, regardless of what the return is in a trade.