On April 19, Beijing time, according to Action Network reporter Matt Moore, in the summer of 2021, the Pelicans intended to trade the No. 23 and No. 24 picks in the Rockets' hands with the No. 17 pick in their hands. At this time, the Rockets had already selected Green with the No. 2 pick and Shin Kyung with the No. 16 pick. However, the Rockets rejected the deal. Then the Pelicans picked 2.03 meters small forward Tre Murphy with the 17th pick, who averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season, hitting three three-pointers per game and shooting 38.1 percent from three-point range.
The Rockets drafted guard Christopher and center Garuba with the 23rd and 24th picks, respectively. In the summer of 2023, the Rockets sent Garuba to the Hawks and Christopher to the Grizzlies. This summer, the Rockets' target is a small forward with projection ability. Obviously, Stone regretted not being able to trade the Pelicans' No. 17 pick in the first place. According to Rockets reporter Fagan, Rockets general manager Stone is willing to send a 2024 first-round pick from the Nets to improve the team's wings.
In the new season, the Rockets have Shin Jing and Adams at the center position, Smith and Eason at the forward position, and Jalen Green, VanVleet, Brooks, Whitmore and Amen Thompson in the backcourt. Therefore, there is a high probability that the Rockets will make up a forward swingman. And this position, in this rookie, there is not much talent. The Rockets will keep the veteran Jeff Green while looking for a replacement for Jeff Green. In the free agent market, veterans such as Harris, Batum, Covington, Lee Kyle, and Crowder are all potential targets for the Rockets.