The Houston Rockets remain a recurring name in trade rumors involving high-profile stars, with the latest chatter suggesting a potential fit for Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat. Despite the speculation, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has reiterated that the team is not actively seeking major roster changes this season.
“Of course, my job is to be open to everything, so I’m not going to not do my job,” Stone clarified. “We like this team. We definitely do not intend to change anything, and I would be shocked if something changes this season.”
Stone emphasized the Rockets’ commitment to their current roster, prioritizing the development of their young core. “We like where we’re at. We want to continue to develop our guys, full stop. Will I listen to other teams? Of course I will, that’s my job. But again, there’s no part of me, there’s no part of our decision-making process that suggests that we’re looking to do anything big now or in the near term,” he stated.
While acknowledging the importance of staying open to potential opportunities, Stone made it clear that any significant moves are unlikely in the immediate future. Instead, the focus remains on internal growth and evaluation.
“We definitely want this group to be as good as it can be this year and then we’ll evaluate things at the end of the year,” Stone explained. “But the hope is very much that this core group can lead us to where we want to go and that – from a transactional perspective – we’re largely done.”
The Rockets appear poised to stay patient, building their foundation with an eye toward long-term success rather than rushing into bold acquisitions. For now, Houston is betting on the potential of their current roster to carry them forward.
Rafael Stone Reiterates Rockets Unlikely To Make Major Trade This Season https://t.co/NXK8fMiJ5g
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 11, 2024
