As Houston enters a championship window, the front office has deemed a select quartet off-limits. Discover why these specific stars form the non-negotiable foundation of the Rockets' future.
Every fan base loves the word untouchable. Front offices? Not so much. Most players become available if the right offer shows up, and the Rockets are no different.
Houston has built one of the deepest rosters in basketball, but when it comes to players Rafael Stone probably wouldn’t even entertain discussing, the list is surprisingly short.
Amen Thompson
This one should come as no surprise.
Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season while looking more and more like the kind of player every team wishes it had. He can guard practically anybody, wreck a game without taking 20 shots, and at 23, he's nowhere near his ceiling. If another front office calls asking about Amen, the conversation probably lasts about five seconds.
Alperen Sengun
The Rockets have spent years building around Sengun, and the results have justified that decision. As Houston’s primary offensive hub, he averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season.
Pieces with Sengun's combination of scoring and playmaking ability are difficult to replace. Moving him would create more questions than answers.
Kevin Durant
After inconsistent shooting caused the Rockets’ ultimate downfall in the first round this year, it’s safe to assume scrapping Durant isn’t even on Houston’s radar. Even entering his age-37 season, Durant averaged 26 points per game and continued to play at an All-NBA caliber.
More importantly, Houston didn’t make one of the biggest trades in franchise history just to turn around and move him again. Acquiring Durant signaled that the Rockets believe their championship window is open right now.
Reed Sheppard
This one might drum up some debate.
Sheppard averaged 13.5 points per game while shooting 39.4-percent from three in his second NBA season. He had to grow up fast this year after VanVleet’s injury. As the season progressed, Reed became increasingly confident and comfortable in his role.
With him entering next season at 22 years-old, the Rockets are likely more interested in seeing what Year 3 looks like than cashing him in before they find out. Reed is still on a team-friendly rookie contract and already provides something every team is looking for: perimeter shooting. Unless the Rockets receive a major upgrade in return, it’d be surprising to see them move a player they’ve spent the last two years developing.
Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are both incredibly valuable, but neither belongs in the same conversation as Thompson, Sengun, Durant, or Sheppard when it comes to untouchable status.
There’s a difference between players you want to keep and players you simply aren’t moving, and these four are staying put.
