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LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reacts to a referee call.
The Houston Rockets could be looking to add a new star to their roster in the upcoming NBA offseason, if they eventually lose to the LA Lakers in the playoffs.
According to a report by The Ringer’s Michael Pina, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Darius Garland are all on the Rockets’ radar as they target another star to add to their roster in a deal that may or may not include Kevin Durant.
“If the Rockets go the other way, keep Durant, and believe they’re not that far from making the Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Donovan Mitchell would presumably be on their radar,” the report reads. “A few other names who could squeeze into this conversation: Karl-Anthony Towns, Darius Garland, and Joel Embiid.”
Pina added that Leonard is the most intriguing star among the aforementioned names as he provides two-way brilliance that theoretically complements the Rockets’ young core and possibly Durant’s game.
“It’s hard to picture the Rockets trading Durant for a facsimile of the package they gave up to get him,” the report said. “Instead, I think they’ll keep KD and pivot skyward with an even bigger blockbuster move. And even if he slashes their runway in half, Leonard, to me, is the most interesting name worth pursuing.”
Leonard, who is still being investigated by the NBA for possible salary cap manipulation with the LA Clippers, had an MVP-caliber season with the Clippers, albeit the team lost in the play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, the Rockets traded for Durant last offseason, as they once viewed him as their missing piece after finishing second in the Western Conference last year, but lost to the Golden State Warriors in Round 1.
Durant has barely looked like a missing piece for the Rockets this season. The team fell to the No. 5 seed in the West, and went down 0-3 against the shorthanded LA Lakers sans their top scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
In the playoffs, Durant suffered a poorly timed knee injury, causing the Rockets to scramble for answers on the offensive end against the LeBron James-led squad.
Among those who have been the Rockets’ core players are Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard. All of whom, the report indicated, could be thrown in a deal to upgrade the roster next season.
No job is safe with the Houston Rockets in the offseason.
According to The Ringer’s report, no one’s job is safe with the Rockets, including Durant, and head coach Ime Udoka, as the team could be planning a massive overhaul next season.
“Now seismic decisions lie ahead, and literally no job is safe. No player is untradable, no coach unexpendable,” Pina wrote.
Udoka is closing in on his third season with the Rockets. He has been dangerously nearing back-to-back first-round exits, following an impressive regular season.
GettyRockets face the Lakers in Game 5.
A loss in Game 5 would end the Rockets’ season and put them on an uncertain path in the offseason.
Notably, no team has ever recovered from a 0-3 deficit in the NBA playoffs. With the way the team played in the first three games, the Rockets may be staring at their season lives.
Game 5 will be in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 29. It will start at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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