Rockets' Amen Thompson Reportedly 'Untouchable' in NBA Trade Talks amid Rumors

The Houston Rockets are reportedly expected to explore a trade for a superstar-caliber player during the upcoming offseason, but it sounds like one of their key players is off the table in any potential negotiations.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that even though "a blockbuster trade would require the Rockets to give up some of that young talent," the team "has made it known to other front offices" that second-year wing Amen Thompson is "considered untouchable."

The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Thompson has already established himself as a dominant force on the defensive end. His offensive skills have shown signs of progress as well, as he surpassed the 20-point mark 14 times this year and finished the regular season with averages of 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks across 69 games with 42 starts.

After finishing second in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record, the Rockets are on the brink of elimination from the playoffs after falling into a 3-1 hole in their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors. A disappointing playoff exit could be the impetus for Houston to pursue a blockbuster deal for a big-name player this summer.

Stars like Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson have been the subject of trade rumors heading into the offseason, so the Rockets could try to enter the market for one of them.

However, it appears that the one player that Houston will be unwilling to give up in exchange for any of those players is Thompson.