Rockets offseason plan is revealed: full efforts to renew Adams, the No. 10 pick may become a trade chip

With the end of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, the offseason operations of the Houston Rockets have quietly begun. Although the team was unfortunately eliminated in the first round, the management is confident about the future and has begun to plan a summer reinforcement strategy. According to Kelly Iko, a well-known reporter from The Athletic, the Rockets will prioritize renewing center Steven Adams, while evaluating the trading value of the No. 10 sign and pay close attention to the potential superstar trading market.

Core goal: renew Adams' contract and stabilize the inside defense

Adams performed well after returning from injury this season, becoming a key link in Uduka's tactical system. He averaged 8.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game (including 3.4 frontcourt rebounds) and provided stable franchise protection on the defensive end. Rockets management believes that Adams' tough style and rebounding ability are important guarantees for the team's future competition.

However, as Adams' contract is about to expire, several playoff teams including the Spurs, the Knicks, the Pacers, the Lakers and the Clippers have expressed interest in him. The Rockets hope to retain the 31-year-old with a reasonable contract, but if negotiations fail, they may turn to the free market and consider introducing Brooke Lopez as an alternative.

Backcourt Stability: Van Vleet is expected to stay in the team, or adjust the contract structure

Rockets are expected to retain point guard Fred Van Vleet, possibly implementing its $44.9 million team option, or negotiating a longer-term salary cut contract. VanVleet averaged 16.4 points and 7.2 assists per game this season, which is an important core of the team's offensive organization. In addition, his big contract may also act as a salary balance chip in potential superstar deals.

Draft strategy: The No. 10 pick may be a bargaining chip, aiming at the rookie of the golf club

The Rockets hold the 10th pick this year, but the team is open to using the sign directly. Sources revealed that the Rockets have received inquiries from multiple teams and consider the following plans:

1. Trading downwards in exchange for future draft picks or instant players;

2. Packing transactions with young players (such as Whitmore) in exchange for higher-level stars;

3. Direct draft, focusing on potential rookies such as Carter Bryant (University of Arizona), Carman Maruacchi (Duke University) with high basketball IQ.

Potential trading targets: Antetokounmpo and Durant are still attracting attention

Although the Rockets' interest in Devin Booker has cooled down, management is still paying close attention to the trading possibilities of Giannis Antetokounmpo (Antetokounmpo) and Kevin Durant. The Suns have frequently contacted the Rockets recently to try to trade Durant, but the Rockets are cautious about the health of the 36-year-old.

Young core growth: Shepard may welcome a bigger role

Last season's Tanhua show Reed Shepard is expected to get more playing time in the new season. He performed well in the Development League, showing excellent outside projection and tactical understanding, and is expected to be a key puzzle for the Rockets' half-court offense.

The Rockets have achieved 41 wins and 52 wins respectively in the past two seasons, showing outstanding competitiveness. With the growth of young players (Green, Shin Kyung, Thompson) and potential star signings, the team hopes to hit the West next season with higher rankings. General Manager Raphael Stone said: "Our goal is to continue to improve, whether through internal cultivation or external reinforcement."