From Amen Thompson’s untouchable potential to a crowded center rotation, we navigate Houston’s asset-rich roster to identify who is staying put and who could be on the move.
With a roster this stacked with talent and value, ranking the Rockets from untouchable to trade candidate is a lot harder than it sounds. Still, someone has to do it.
The top of the list should be mostly obvious. The middle is where things start getting a bit controversial.
Here’s where everybody lands.
Tier 1: Untouchable
1. Amen Thompson
The closest thing Houston has to a truly untouchable asset.
2. Alperen Sengun
The offensive centerpiece. Moving him would force the Rockets to rethink their entire identity.
3. Kevin Durant
The Rockets didn’t make a win-now move to reverse course a year later.
4. Reed Sheppard
Rising star shooter. He’s still on a rookie contract, and showed drastic on and off ball improvement this year.
Tier 2: Massive Offer Required
5. Fred VanVleet
One of Ime Udoka’s most trusted players and one of the few veterans on the roster with championship experience.
6. Tari Eason
Every team wants players like Tari Eason. He impacts winning on both ends of the floor and brings a level of energy that’s difficult to replace.
7. Jabari Smith Jr.
A difficult evaluation. Houston still believes in the upside, but his name would likely surface in any major trade discussion.
Tier 3: Stone Picks Up The Phone
8. Steven Adams
Valuable veteran. Not untouchable.
9. Dorian Finney-Smith
Exactly the type of role player contenders love to acquire.
10. Clint Capela
Three centers. One position. That’s a tough roster equation.
Tier 4: Most Likely To Be Moved
11. Jae’Sean Tate
A respected veteran whose role has steadily decreased.
12. Aaron Holiday
Useful depth piece, but likely the easiest player on this list to replace.
Ask ten Rockets fans where Tari Eason belongs on this list, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. The same is probably true for Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Fred VanVleet.
That’s a good problem to have. It means Houston has built enough depth that the toughest decisions aren’t at the top of the roster- they’re in the middle.
