The Houston Rockets have acquired a 2027 first-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Brooklyn's original 2026 pick, reshaping the NBA draft landscape.
The NBA offseason is heating up, with several blockbuster deals already shaking up the league's landscape. Just minutes after the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks completed a shocking trade for star forward Mikal Bridges, the Nets have made another significant move involving several draft picks with the Houston Rockets.
According to ESPN, the Rockets have acquired a 2027 first-round pick from the Nets (originally acquired by Brooklyn from Phoenix in the Kevin Durant trade) in exchange for Brooklyn's original 2026 pick. This deal marks the latest in a series of moves by the Rockets, who are reportedly pursuing several top stars, including Durant himself.
In addition to the 2027 first-round pick, the Rockets have also acquired the right to swap their 2025 first-rounder (from Oklahoma City) for a 2025 Suns first-rounder. This gives the Rockets flexibility in future drafts, as they can potentially acquire a higher pick depending on how the Suns and Thunder perform in the coming seasons.
The Rockets have also acquired swap rights to a 2029 first-round pick from either Dallas or Phoenix, and the best pick from one of the teams the same year (dependent upon where both teams finish in the standings that season). This gives the Rockets a chance to acquire a top pick in 2029, which could potentially be used to select a generational talent.
ESPN reports that the Rockets are pursuing this deal with the hope of acquiring several top stars, including Durant. However, Suns owner Mat Ishbia has publicly stated that the team has no intention of trading Durant and is committed to running it back with the trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal next season.
Despite Phoenix's reluctance to trade Durant, the Rockets may have a package of picks that is too good to pass up. With the addition of the picks acquired from the Nets, the Rockets now have a significant number of future draft assets that they could potentially use to acquire a superstar.
If Phoenix remains steadfast in its refusal to trade Durant, the Rockets will likely continue their aggressive pursuit of other top players who can help them win now. With a young and talented roster led by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets are well-positioned to make a leap forward next season.
The NBA draft landscape is constantly evolving, and the Rockets' latest moves have certainly shaken things up. With the potential for more blockbuster deals on the horizon, it will be fascinating to see how the league's teams continue to reshape their rosters for the future.
