NBA Trade Rumors: Rivals Say Rockets Eye Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Ingram and Stars

The Houston Rockets are reportedly determined to add a star this summer.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported the Rockets are "clearly in win-now mode" and are hoping to add an All-Star to their roster. Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges and Brandon Ingram were mentioned as potential targets, alongside role players like Brook Lopez and Marcus Smart.

Of the stars mentioned, Butler and Ingram appear to be the more attainable targets. The Phoenix Suns are almost certainly not going to explore trading Durant after mortgaging their future to acquire him, and The Athletic's Fred Katz reported the Brooklyn Nets have expressed "zero interest" in trading Bridges.

Butler has seen his name increasingly pop up in rumors since the end of the 2023-24 season. Howard Beck of The Ringer reported executives have been "buzzing" about a Butler trade for months. Butler is reportedly seeking a two-year, $113 million extension, and Heat president Pat Riley has not been shy about allowing aging players to walk in the past.

Riley refused to pay Dwyane Wade in 2016, and Wade is a bonafide franchise icon. Butler has done plenty during his five seasons in Miami, but if Riley was willing to allow Wade to walk, he'll almost certainly explore moving on from Butler rather than risking an overpay.

If the New Orleans Pelicans decide to move on from Ingram, finances will also be a factor. Ingram is heading into the final season of his contract and is eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension. Christian Clark of the Times-Picayune reported Pelicans brass does not want to give Ingram the full max, an understandable position given the fact he hasn't made an All-Star team since 2020 and has plateaued as a player.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin told reporters in April he plans on shaking up the roster, which could mean exploring the market for Ingram.

The Rockets began their push to return to relevancy last offseason, signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in free agency. Neither move was a total home run, but Houston can get out from under VanVleet's contract next summer and Brooks' deal de-escalates as it goes.

Adding a true star without sacrificing any of their foundational pieces could help push Houston back to the playoff picture.