Famous reporters revealed the Rockets recruitment strategy! Durant is about to join, and Antetokounmpo also becomes the target?

Kelly Iko is a senior journalist at The Athletic, focusing on covering the Houston Rockets’ dynamics. His reports are generally considered to have high accuracy and credibility, and just on June 3 local time, Kelly Iko reported on the recent updates of the Houston Rockets.

Antesco and Durant are both targets!

Although Houston hopes to retain the young core, the team is willing to consider the possibility of a major deal, so whether it is Antetokounmpo or Durant, it will be within the Rockets' consideration. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Antetokounmpo) will be the Rockets' number one target, but there is uncertainty as to whether the Bucks are willing to release them, and their asking price may be far beyond the Rockets' tolerance, so the ultimate feasibility is not high.

In contrast, Durant has a much higher chance of joining! It is reported that the Suns management has called the Rockets many times to try to trade Kevin Durant, and has gradually lowered the asking price for Durant. The Suns hope to regain control of draft assets with the Rockets' 2025 No. 10 pick as the core chip. This is obviously what the Rockets want to see the most. It is definitely a good deal to recruit the strongest mercenaries in the league without giving their young core! And I believe Durant is willing to come to the Rockets too!

As for the chips the Rockets have to pay, the Suns' three draft picks will definitely be returned, and they will probably have to take another first round and several second rounds. Dillon and Van Vreet will definitely have to leave one, and it depends on whether they want to take on Whitmore!

Free player renewal priority!

Adams is currently the Rockets' number one contract renewal target due to his outstanding performance in the playoffs. Considering the possibility of being poached by other playoff teams at high prices, the Rockets may also pursue Bucks center Lopez, after all, Lopez was the Rockets’ number one target during the 2023 free agent, when he nearly moved to Houston and maintained good attendance and competitive form in recent seasons!

Jeff Green, Tate, Holiday all have the opportunity to stay in Houston, but only a basic salary contract may be obtained.

Young players role adjustment!

Shepard has received the attention of the Rockets boss, and the Tanhua Show will surely be reused in the new season. Of course, everything depends on Van Vreet's stay or not. The only thing that is certain is that even if Holiday stays in the team, his sorting will be after Shepard.

The Rockets will negotiate a contract renewal with Jabari and Ethan during the offseason. If the contract renewal is not completed in advance this summer, the Rockets are willing to match any offer in 2026. Obviously, these two people have been recognized by the team. Their offense and defense qualities are very consistent with the Wuduka system, and the team will not give up easily.

As for Whitmore, the player himself and his team did not apply for leaving the team, and the Rockets are optimistic about his prospects and potential rotation roles! Simply put, both sides have an open attitude, can leave or stay, have a red heart, and prepare both hands!

Finally, Kelly Iko also mentioned that the Rockets are also expected to have a trade dialogue with the Celtics because Boston hopes to reduce its salary, after all, the two core players will be injured next season and lack a lot of time! This may be the Rockets' chance to get a bargain, and of course everything will be after Durant decides to go home!

The summer in Houston is destined to be quiet. The Rockets management is operating in full swing, testing Antetokounmpo's possibilities while launching a tug-of-war with the Suns over Durant. If KD finally put on the Rockets' jersey, the ambitions of this young team will be completely exposed - they are no longer satisfied with reconstruction, but are directly targeting the championship.