Honestly, nobody expected the Houston Rockets to be the talk of the league this late into the 2025-26 season. After that absolute bombshell of a trade last summer—the one that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix for Kevin Durant—the vibe in H-Town shifted from "patience" to "win right now." It's been a wild ride. One minute, they’re looking like world-beaters with a 13-4 start, and the next, they’re hovering around .605 and trying to claw their way out of a mid-winter slump.
But here’s the thing about the latest Houston Rockets rumors news: it isn't just about who they might buy. It's about how they survive the next three weeks with a roster that feels one piece short of a real title run.
The Point Guard Problem No One Saw Coming
When Fred VanVleet went down with that torn ACL, the air effectively left the Toyota Center. It's brutal. You've got a veteran leader on a $25 million contract who’s essentially unmovable because of a no-trade clause and, well, a season-ending injury.
Right now, the Rockets are leaning heavily on Amen Thompson and the rookie Reed Sheppard to handle the rock. Amen is a defensive freak—honestly, he should have "Top 5 DPOY candidate" tattooed on his arm at this point—but his jumper still makes defenders sag off him like they're social distancing.
Is Darius Garland the Answer?
There’s a lot of chatter about Darius Garland. The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly listening, and let’s be real, a Garland-Durant pairing would be offensive poetry. Garland is only 25 and fits the timeline, plus he’s a legit floor general who can shoot 39% from deep.
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- The Cost: Cleveland isn't giving him away for free.
- The Problem: Houston is over the first apron. That’s a fancy way of saying they can’t take back more money than they send out.
- The Assets: To get a guy like Garland, you’re talking about moving Tari Eason (who’s currently leading the league in three-point percentage, believe it or not) and potentially that 2027 Brooklyn pick.
Is Rafael Stone willing to gut the depth that makes this team special? It's a massive gamble.
Alperen Sengun and the "Big Brother" Void
If you follow the team closely, you saw that interview with Alperen Sengun where he talked about Jalen Green. He said Jalen was like a brother to him. You can see it on the court sometimes; the chemistry is just different now.
Sengun is averaging a monster 21.6 points and 9.2 rebounds, but the "point-center" role is getting harder as teams double-team him the second he crosses half-court. Without a secondary playmaker like Green or a healthy VanVleet, the Rockets rank 28th in turnover percentage. That is a terrifying stat for a team with playoff aspirations.
Small Moves or Blockbusters?
While everyone wants to talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo or Trae Young, those feel like pipe dreams. The Rockets already burned their biggest assets to get KD.
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Most league insiders are looking at "low-risk" targets. Think Jose Alvarado or Cam Spencer. These aren't sexy names that'll sell jerseys, but they're the kind of "glue guys" who stop the bleeding.
"Houston isn't necessarily looking for a home run," one league source noted recently. "They just need someone who won't turn the ball over three times in the fourth quarter."
The "Wild Card" Names
Don't be shocked if you see Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul mentioned in the coming days. Westbrook becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 16, and while a reunion sounds like a fever dream, the Rockets need veteran ball-handling. It’s basically a "break glass in case of emergency" situation.
What’s Actually Next for the Rockets?
The Rockets just came off a gutsy win against the Timberwolves where KD dropped 39. They’re 24-15. They're good. But are they "beat the Thunder in a seven-game series" good? Probably not.
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If you’re watching the Houston Rockets rumors news cycle, keep your eyes on the "first apron" restrictions. Because they can't aggregate salaries easily, any trade is going to involve moving a significant rotation piece.
Here is what you should watch for over the next 10 days:
- Tari Eason's Health: He’s been dealing with an ankle sprain. If he can't stay on the floor, the Rockets might be forced to trade for wing depth sooner than they’d like.
- The "Sexton" Factor: Collin Sexton is a "human microwave." He’s a rental since he’s a free agent this summer. If the Jazz decide to sell, he’s a much cheaper option than Garland.
- Reed Sheppard’s Minutes: If Ime Udoka keeps trusting the rookie, it might signal that the front office is comfortable staying pat.
Basically, the Rockets are at a crossroads. They have the superstar in Durant, the rising star in Sengun, and a massive hole at the one. Whether they fill that hole with a star like Garland or a gritty vet like Alvarado will define if this season ends in a parade or another "what if" story.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for the upcoming New Orleans game on Jan. 18. If the turnover issues persist against a struggling Pelicans team, expect Rafael Stone to hit the phones before the February deadline.