NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets 'Let It Be Known' They Are 'Fans' of Suns' Devin Booker

The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the first half of the 2024-25 season, ranking second in the Western Conference with a 26-12 record.

However, that hasn't stopped the Rockets from eyeing potential trade targets ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, as ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on Wednesday's episode of The Hoop Collective (16:39 mark) that "they've let it be known that they are Devin Booker fans."

MacMahon added that there's "no indication" that the Phoenix Suns are interested in dealing away the star guard.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst doubled down on the Suns retaining Booker, responding to MacMahon, "I don't see any wavering on that whatsoever." MacMahon agreed but pointed out that the Rockets own significant draft capital that originally belonged to the Suns thanks to an offseason trade with the Brooklyn Nets, who owned the future assets from Phoenix thanks to the Kevin Durant trade in 2023.

It's easy to see why Houston, like most teams around the NBA, is a fan of Booker. The 28-year-old is one of the most talented offensive players in the league, averaging 25.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game this year.

However, as the Rockets continue to perform at a high level, bringing in a player of Booker's caliber could disrupt the team's chemistry. Houston has a young core led by a bevy of recent first-round draft picks, including Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Green, who leads the team with 21.0 points per game, has found a groove recently and is averaging 30.0 points on 51.2 percent shooting and 45.6 percent from beyond the arc in the month of January.

Still, Houston is ahead of schedule as it turns the corner on its rebuild. Adding Booker or another star could put the Rockets over the top as a true contender for an NBA title.

For now, Houston will focus on trying to earn its fifth straight win when it faces the Denver Nuggets (24-15) on Wednesday night.