Houston prioritizes its patient, long-term vision, bypassing a blockbuster move for Ja Morant to protect its carefully constructed young core and future flexibility.
The Houston Rockets’ emergence as one of the NBA’s fastest-rising franchises has come with a clear organizational directive: stay disciplined, protect future flexibility and avoid reactive roster moves. That approach now includes opting not to explore a pursuit of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
As reported in The Athletic’s annual front-office rankings, league sources indicated the Rockets are not considering a move for Morant, even after losing veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a season-ending ACL injury. For a Houston team that has climbed to No. 3 in the leaguewide rankings — up from No. 11 last season — the decision reflects confidence in its current foundation and an unwillingness to disrupt its roster trajectory.
Executives who participated in the survey cited the Rockets’ adherence to a long-term plan as a key reason for their rise. That approach extends to all major personnel decisions, including the choice to bypass an opportunity to inquire about Morant, who remains one of the league’s most dynamic players but has faced extended absences over the past two seasons.
One executive who voted the Rockets second on their ballot pointed to the methodical nature of Houston’s build.
The executive said the Rockets “have drafted well, built a deep team in a tough Western Conference while managing tax aprons. They hired a good coach and built an overall team identity, then added KD for cheap.”
Another team official highlighted Houston’s overall roster strategy, praising the balance between bold moves and disciplined asset management.
The executive described the Rockets as having “high-end talent, a willingness to be bold, and good asset management.”
Houston reaffirmed that philosophy last offseason when it acquired Kevin Durant and Clint Capela in a multi-team deal without surrendering its foundational young players. Durant later agreed to a two-year, $90 million extension, a move that positioned the Rockets to contend while still protecting their long-term core.
That core — featuring Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard — is central to Houston’s outlook. The Rockets believe the group is capable of internal improvement without adding another ball-dominant guard, particularly one with the usage and playmaking responsibilities that accompany Morant.
For Memphis, the report serves as a reminder of the current leaguewide calculus surrounding potential Morant trade conversations. While his talent is unquestioned, executives continue to weigh availability, long-term reliability and organizational fit when evaluating his market — factors that appear to have shaped Houston’s decision to steer clear.
The Rockets’ stance reinforces a broader league perception that Houston intends to stay the course, even amid significant injuries or short-term roster gaps. And as teams across the Western Conference reassess their futures in the shadow of Oklahoma City’s rise, Houston’s approach — disciplined, patient, and strategically selective — remains unchanged.
For the Grizzlies, it is another data point in understanding how teams view Morant’s situation and the circumstances under which they might, or might not, enter the conversation.