New NBA Trade Rumors on Rockets Open to Dealing Key Stars Except 1 'Near Untouchable' Player

The Houston Rockets are reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for almost everyone on their roster outside of Amen Thompson.

Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported Monday that Thompson "is the only near untouchable on the roster" before explaining "Houston isn't actively shopping its All-Stars or other key members, sources said, but are merely expressing more of a willingness to listen than at previous junctures."

The Rockets being willing to listen to offers for anyone outside of Thompson would indicate Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün may be on the table.

"An in-depth analysis of both the Western Conference finals and the NBA Finals revealed that the Rockets are a ways away from the upper echelon of teams, both in their own conference and the league as a whole," Iko wrote. "Such a reflection has influenced how they approach the open market, taking more of a wholesale approach than simply the 'run it back' mantra previously held."

While the reality they aren't actively shopping either is most notable, it wouldn't be shocking if they receive at least a handful of calls.

And the Rockets would surely at least have to consider significant moves given the reality of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs standing in their way. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a young and talented core in Oklahoma City and Victor Wembanyama doing the same in San Antonio, Houston may need quite the long-term overhaul in the coming years.

But making sure to keep Thompson even if there are significant moves also isn't surprising.

Amen Thompson Throws It Down

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After all, he is just 23 years old and already one of the best defensive players in the league. Thompson was a First-Team All-Defensive selection in 2024-25 and finished in the top 10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting in each of the last two seasons.

His overall versatility on that end of the floor allows him to defend multiple positions, and he also showed important offensive improvement last season while averaging a career-best 18.3 points per game.

If there is more offensive growth to come in the coming seasons, Thompson could end up as one of the best overall players in the league.

The Rockets will need him to be just that if they are going to realistically challenge the Spurs and Thunder in the future.