The Houston Rockets overwhelmingly exceeded expectations in 2024-25 as they finished 52-30 with the second-best record in the Western Conference. They entered the season tied for the ninth-best projected win total, 43.5, and tied for the 12th-best championship odds, +10000, in the conference. Despite their strong regular season, the Rockets were bounced from the first round of the postseason in seven games by the Golden State Warriors as most of their young core got their first taste of playoff action.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies finished eighth in the Western Conference and were also bounced in the first round of the postseason, suffering a sweep to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While they have insisted that they do not have plans to move on from Ja Morant, there have been reports that he could be made available for the right price.
A recent trade proposal suggested that the Rockets could look to acquire the two-time All-Star, while keeping their young core intact.
"Rockets receive: Ja Morant and Jay Huff. Grizzlies receive: Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, 2025 first-round pick (via Pheonix Suns) and 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected)," Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley wrote Wednesday. "Houston's failure to launch this postseason was directly tied to its offensive deficiencies. The Rockets averaged only 93.3 points in their four losses to the Golden State Warriors, which is an untenable number even for a defense as feisty as theirs. Finding an offensive focal point could unlock this group's championship potential. Morant would not only fill that void, but he also happens to be on the same timeline as the Rockets' young core. And since he's had some availability issues in recent years, Houston might be able to add him without fully depleting its asset collection. While minutes could be hard to come by for Huff, his ability to function as a pure stretch 5 would give Houston's offense a bit of breathing room when his number gets called."
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Buckley added that the Grizzlies would be able to acquire assets for both now, Fred VanVleet, and the future, Cam Whitmore and two first-round picks. While Memphis would attempt to receive more in return, Morant's recent lack of availability would almost certainly allow Houston to retain their top assets.
The Rockets have been reported to be one of the top threats to acquire a star this offseason -- notably being linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. While Morant appeared in just 50 games this season and had his lowest scoring output since 2020-21, he could help their offense take the next step. The two-time All-Star averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.2 blocks per game in 2024-25, while shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.9% from three-point range and 82.4% from the free-throw line.
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