The Houston Rockets made a strategic deal with the Brooklyn Nets, reversing part of the James Harden trade from 2021. In exchange for their 2025 and 2026 picks, the Rockets acquired a 2025 pick swap, a 2027 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns, and rights to the best 2029 picks from Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston.
Critics argue that Brooklyn should have accepted the deal offered by the Rockets, especially considering the potential value of those picks. Houston is building a strong roster with seven first-round picks from recent drafts but opted not to draft another high-profile rookie this time.