Rockets rumor: Houston Rockets are considering multiple 10-pick trading plans

NBA rumors say that the Houston Rockets are exploring the trading plan for the No. 10 signing of the 2025 NBA Draft.

According to Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, the Houston Rockets are exploring a variety of trading options involving the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft No. 10 signing. Management is reportedly weighing options, including improving draft picks, exchanging draft picks for an experienced star, or exchanging draft picks for future assets.

The Rockets had a regular season record of 52 wins and 30 losses, but were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in seven hard games in the first round of the playoffs. Now the Rockets are turning their attention to the draft, and they face a decision that could impact the direction of their already promising roster. The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York from June 25 to 26. Currently, the Rockets hold the 10th pick, but league sources believe the team is unlikely to stay in place. O'Connor reported that the Rockets had a strong lineup and it was difficult for rookies to get playing time, just like Reed Shepard had limited playing time last season. The Rockets are weighing retaining or trading the 10th pick, and Carter Bryant is one of them, though, if the Rockets choose to retain the draft pick, Arizona freshman Carter Bryant could be a potential option. The 6-foot-8-inch (about 1.9 meters) striker is widely regarded as a versatile defensive player with impressive potential. In his only season with the Wildcats, Kobe averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block per game. In 37 games, he shot as high as 46% from the field and 37.1% from three-pointers.

"Choose Kobe is attractive for the Rockets," O'Connor wrote, highlighting the striker's range, athleticism and potential as a fixed-point shoter and agile off-ball cut. Although Kobe's possession ability is not yet mature, his offense and defense traits show that he can contribute as a role player in the short term and develop into a more important player in the future.

However, given that the Rockets' rotation lineup is already crowded, especially on the wings and frontcourts, Houston may find it more favorable to use the No. 10 draw as a trading chip. O'Connor noted that the Rockets could take steps similar to the San Antonio Spurs' trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024, when San Antonio traded downwards and won a series of future draft picks.

Whether the Rockets choose to package the draft picks to a famous star, or jump to the top pick in the draft, or obtain long-term capital, the team seems to have made strategic arrangements. The team already has a number of rising stars, and they may see the draft as an opportunity to further enhance their own development trajectory—either bring in young players or use this asset to immediately enhance the team’s strength.

Less than a month after the draft, Houston management will continue to evaluate options, which is expected to be one of the most uncertain and critical choices in the top ten picks.