According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Houston’s Game 3 loss to Golden State – a game in which the Warriors managed to win despite missing Jimmy Butler – underscored a significant issue for the Rockets: their lack of a go-to offensive star.
While the team has made notable strides, the defeat highlighted the limits of their current roster construction when facing playoff-caliber defenses. Houston’s offense has sputtered in key moments of the series, managing just 85 points in Game 1 and only slightly improving to 93 in Game 3.
Amick suggests that if the Rockets want to take the next step toward legitimate title contention, they may need to pursue a high-level offensive upgrade this offseason. That pursuit could come at a cost – namely, young guard Jalen Green.
Despite signing a three-year, $106 million extension in October, Green is reportedly viewed around the league as a likely trade piece should Houston explore the market for star-level talent.
In other words, while Green remains a promising scorer, the front office may be willing to move on if it means landing a more established offensive centerpiece.
Rockets Notes: VanVleet, Offense, Green, Sengun, Landale https://t.co/G4GiU5t4JV pic.twitter.com/DDtwdSlZbq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 28, 2025
