DHJ Quick Take
- High-Profile Targets: The Houston Rockets are reportedly considering blockbuster trades for four major All-Stars this offseason: Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
- Contractual Flexibility: All four targets carry significant salaries (ranging from $50.1M to $58.5M) for next season, but notably, none of them possess a no-trade clause, simplifying potential negotiations.
- Context of Pursuit: Following a first-round playoff exit against the Lakers—and a postseason where star acquisition Kevin Durant was limited by injury—Houston is looking for a secondary superstar to bolster its championship window.
The Houston Rockets could pursue trades for Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid this offseason, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
Leonard will make $50.3 million next season in the final year of his contract, Mitchell will make $50.1 million, Antetokounmpo will make $58.5 million and Embiid will make $57.9 million. All four All-Stars don’t have a no-trade clause.
Houston acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns last offseason but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2026 playoffs in six games. Durant only played in Game 2 of the Rockets-Lakers series.
The Rockets went 52-30 during the regular season. Durant, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are the top players in Houston. During his exit interview, Şengün was asked about possibly being traded this offseason.
“I cannot do anything about those conversations,” Şengün said. “It is what it is. That’s the front office’s job. I can’t do anything about it. Wherever I go or if I’m staying here, I’m going to do what I do.”
After the 2026 All-Star Game, Durant brushed off accusations on social media that he was behind burner accounts that were critical of Şengün and Smith Jr. However, most people who cover the NBA believe Durant was behind the burner accounts.
Durant will make $43.9 million next season. The 16-time All-Star played in 78 games in his first year with Houston. He averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
The Rockets have a history of making blockbuster trades. They acquired James Harden in 2012, Chris Paul in 2017, Russell Westbrook in 2020 and Durant last summer. It will be fascinating to see if Houston’s front office makes another massive trade this offseason.
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