NBA Rumors on Rockets' Trade Deadline Plans, 'Discussions with Around Half the League'

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has reportedly been busy gathering intel ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko reported Friday that the Rockets have "had discussions with around half the league" heading into the deadline.

Iko noted that Houston "doesn't have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion."

"What they do have is an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want," Iko wrote.

Rockets players who have drawn interest from other teams this season include Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, according to Iko. None of that interest has led to anything "concrete," Iko noted.

The Rockets meanwhile aren't interested in potential trade candidates like the Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant or Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Paul, and are "less inclined" to make a move involving the Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball or Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland, per Iko.

Iko's report comes amid an ongoing slump for the Rockets, who loaded up for a hopeful playoff run last offseason by acquiring Kevin Durant.

The Rockets have recently slipped down to No. 6 in the Western Conference after losing five of their last seven games.

That most recently included an 111-91 Thursday night loss to the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, during which the Rockets shot just 34 percent from the field and 29 percent from deep.

Houston now has 11 games remaining, including seven at home, before the trade window shuts in early February.

Durant and the Rockets' ability to bounce back down this stretch could potentially play a role in how Stone ultimately evaluates his roster ahead of the trade deadline.