[Iko] The Houston Rockets have no interest in trading for LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Ja Morant, or Chris Paul. Houston has received calls concerning the availability of Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela.
For what it’s worth, the Rockets’ brass hasn’t signaled any aggressive intention to upgrade their current roster as they have in seasons past, opting not to react to what they deem a containable slump. The Rockets weren’t interested in Trae Young prior to him being dealt, nor are they interested in Ja Morant or a more experienced veteran like Chris Paul. They’re also less inclined to chase expensive names like LaMelo Ball or Darius Garland because of the potential complications that accompany blockbuster deals of that nature.
Houston, according to team sources, has had discussions with around half the league — with more incoming and outgoing calls expected over the next 10 days as the Feb. 5 trade deadline draws closer — but doesn’t have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion. What they do have is an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want. For instance, the Rockets received a number of calls surrounding Tari Eason prior to him becoming a starter, sources say — as well as inquiries on summer additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela — but nothing, as mentioned earlier, was concrete.