The Houston Rockets have one of the best collections of first-round picks in the NBA. We advise you not to get used to it.
These picks could put a dent in Rafael Stone’s pocket. The Rockets are one of the most frequently mentioned teams in blockbuster trade rumors. Soon, Stone could convert these picks into a superstar player.
So we have to enjoy it while it lasts. If (when?) that superstar comes along, we’ll enjoy it too. That’s the fluid nature of assets in the NBA. GMs use them to acquire players, and when those players are past their shelf life, they’re used to acquire more picks.
For now, it’s worth taking stock of the Rockets’ picks. We hope you brought your reading glasses — there’s a lot to unpack here.
This is an updated look at the Rockets’ draft capital going forward.
2025 First Round Pick (HOU)
2025 First Round Pick (Trade – OKC or PHX for OKC or BKN)
2027 First Round Pick (HOU)
2027 First Round Pick (Swap – BKN)
2027 First Round Pick (PHX)
2028 First Round Pick (HOU)
2029 First Round Pick (Trade – DAL and/or PHX for HOU or BKN)
2029 First Round Pick (HOU)
2030 First Round Pick (HOU)
2031 First Round Pick (HOU)
2025 Second Round Picks (MIN)
2026 Second Round Pick (HOU)
2026 second-round pick (OKC, DAL or PHI)
2026 Second Round Pick (LAC, BOS, IND or MIA)
2027 Second Round Pick (MEM)
2031 Second Round Pick (HOU)
2025 Second Round Pick (MEM)
2026 First Round Pick (OKC or PHI)
2027 Second Round Pick (OKC, NYK, SAS or MIA)
2028 Second Round Pick (ATL)
2029 second round pick (OKC)
2030 Second Round Pick (OKC)
That’s a lot of information. It’s useless without interpretation.
What do you think of all these assets?
A few observations stand out.
First, we’re finally entering a period where the Rockets don’t have much draft capital coming out of the gate. They owe the Thunder another first-round draft pick. The eternally painful Paul/Westbrook exchangeand then they’re off the hook.
That said, there are plenty of situations where the Rockets aren’t in complete control of their destiny. Their assets include a myriad of trade rights and contingencies. That’s okay. The Rockets are entitled to the most favorable pick in most of those situations, and this team won’t be in trouble for a while anyway.
One more caveat: We only included assets the Rockets can trade. Sure, they own their 2032 pick. They also own their 2146 first-round pick. Teams are only allowed to trade through 2031.
So what’s the bottom line? It’s simple: The Rockets have a lot going for them. They also have a lot of young players that they’ll likely seek to consolidate in the long term. Say what you will about Rafael Stone, but he has undeniably positioned the Rockets well on the NBA trade market.
Time will tell how he will take advantage of this position.
