Report: Rockets will go star-hunting with No. 3 overall pick

The Rockets were projected to win just 31 games in the 2023-24 season, but the Ime Udoka-led team finished with a 41-41 record and could have made the playoffs if not for Alperen Sengun's injury.  

With a core of players all under 21 — Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. — the Rockets are ahead of schedule and could make serious noise starting next season. 

As their young players blossom, the Rockets also have the luxury of using their war chest of draft assets to trade for a veteran star — the James Harden trade to Brooklyn set them up well. 

On Mother's Day, lady luck shone upon them as they received another prized asset — the No. 3 overall pick, via Brooklyn. The pick would have conveyed to the Nets if it fell out of the top five. The Nets had the sixth-lowest odds to finish with a top-four pick, but the ping pong balls fell in their favor, to the benefit of Houston. 

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are unlikely to add another teenager to their already crowded young core. During the NBA Draft Lottery post-show, Woj said he expects Rockets GM Rafael Stone to trade for "an impact veteran player" to augment the youth movement.  

"They've drafted well in Houston, and they've blended it with some good veterans (like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks). So I think there'll be a lot of conversations with Houston — I think that pick will be available," Woj said. 

Stars such as Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler are rumored to be available via trade this offseason. The Rockets don't have the requisite cap space to pursue free agents such as Paul George or Klay Thompson. 

As such, their best option would be to package this year's No. 3 pick, future firsts and Steven Adams' expiring contract to pursue an All-Star-level player.