The Houston Rockets have their eye on a superstar, and if you’ve heard this before, stop right there.
The franchise has been in the market for a star player ever since Carroll Dawson led the front office, and Daryl Morey has picked up where Dawson left off, targeting players like Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and LeBron James in free agency.
Morey’s star-gazing approach paid off, as he traded for James Harden, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, along with the biggest free agent of the 2013 class, Dwight Howard.
The Rockets’ wish list of stars was made public this offseason: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell and Mikal Bridges.
Depends on who/what you believe.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen should also be on that list, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, who spoke to The Lowe Post about the market for Markkanen and named the Rockets as a possible destination for the star forward.
“Let’s start with Markkanen. He could fit in anywhere. I know the Warriors would be happy to get him for the right price. In theory, that would change the landscape in the Western Conference.”
I mentioned the Spurs as a possibility, the Rockets were mentioned too because they have millions of young players.โ
Lowe explained the Rockets’ position and why they are opposed to such a move, while also outlining the allure and appeal for the franchise.
“Houston is a really intriguing team to me because if I were the Rockets coach, I think I’d have to take a long, long, hard look at this. I’m not in a rush, but I don’t fully understand the team, how the whole team works together and what the players are capable of.”
Ime Udoka and the coaching staff want to win. They want to step on the gas right now and Markkanen is going to be the vehicle to step on the gas. They’re obviously an intriguing team.”
Markkanen was named to the All-Star team for the 2022-23 season and was also named Most Improved Player of the Year that season. He averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 49.9% from the field, 39.1% from deep, 87.5% from the free throw line and 64% true shooting. Last season, the 27-year-old Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 48% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, 89.9% from the free throw line and 63.1% true shooting.
Markkanen will be eligible for a contract extension on Aug. 6.
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