Rockets GM Says 'The Bar for Change Is Very High' amid Durant, Giannis Trade Rumors

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone intends to be deliberate when contemplating any changes to the current roster.

Two days after the Rockets' season ended, Stone told reporters that "continuity is very, very likely" and "the bar to make changes is very high."

This has been the consistent messaging out of Houston with the franchise making steady progress in Ime Udoka's second year as head coach. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported in December the Rockets "will not change the core of that team this season," and that proved to be true.

On the heels of a first-round exit, there still doesn't appear to be a strong sense of urgency.

MacMahon reported Monday that Houston is not "completely out on the possibility" of acquiring Kevin Durant from the Suns, though he said Durant, 36, being much older than the Rockets' key players is a consideration.

John Hollinger of The Athletic posited they're a logical landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he's ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, too.

The overarching concern for the Rockets is that none of Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason looks like a star who can anchor a championship winner.

At some point, the all-in blockbuster trade will have to happen, and Stone has the pieces to do it this summer if he wants.

Being too aggressive too early or picking the wrong target can have disastrous consequences, though. The Suns would probably love to have a mulligan on the last few years after getting Durant set off a series of unfortunate events.

Waiting on more season and seeing how the homegrown standouts continue to develop might be the safest path for Houston.