The Houston Rockets have turned heads around the NBA. With a 52-30 record, they earned the second seed in the West. Their surprising rise sparked speculation that they might chase a superstar like Devin Booker or Kevin Durant amid the Phoenix Suns’ dumpster fire of a season. Instead, the organization chose patience. They watched their young core enter the playoffs to assess their potential under pressure. The franchise now prepares to decide whether to stay the course or swing big. One name that won’t be in any swing by the Rockets: Amen Thompson.
Rockets Make Amen Thompson Untouchable In Trade Negotiations
Following the Thunder’s Playbook
Much like the Oklahoma City Thunder did the previous season, the Rockets are letting their young players prove themselves. OKC bowed out in a tight playoff series, then made savvy moves for Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. Those additions complemented Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their established star.
Houston lacks a similar offensive centerpiece. But they’re exploring ways to find one. Rumors have tied the Rockets to names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson.
Amen Thompson: Off Limits in All Rockets Talks
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Rockets have declared Amen Thompson untouchable. Other front offices have reportedly heard this loud and clear. Despite the temptation to trade for a star, Houston refuses to include Thompson.
Thompson’s defensive brilliance already stands out. He averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 69 games. He also dropped 20+ points in 14 contests. The No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Thompson plays with poise and intensity rare in a second-year player.
Houston’s front office sees him as a future leader. His growth on both ends of the floor excites everyone involved. General Manager Rafael Stone emphasized their approach: “We are not in the business of predetermining ceilings for our players.”
Exploring Options Without Sacrificing Core Talent
Plan A is for a star to rise internally. Jalen Green continues to develop as a scorer. Alperen Sengun already made his first All-Star team. Jabari Smith Jr is in that group of elite young talents. Reed Sheppard, another highly touted rookie, remains a wild card.
If growth stalls, Plan B involves using accumulated assets to make a big trade. But that trade won’t involve Thompson. Even if Giannis or Zion becomes available, the Rockets want to protect their young defensive ace.
Patrick Fertitta, part of Houston’s ownership and operations, confirmed the organization’s belief in its young core. He told ESPN, “I have a lot of confidence that one of these guys, if not a few of them, can become [a championship-level star].”
Rockets Reflect Coach Udoka’s Grit
Head coach Ime Udoka has instilled toughness. With veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in the lineup, the Rockets have become a rebounding and defensive force. They ranked first in rebounding rate and fifth in defensive rating. But even with grit and structure, they lack a closer.
VanVleet put it plainly: “Do you have a guy you could throw it to in the last five minutes?” That’s the question the Rockets must answer. The Rockets believe Amen Thompson could one day fill a very prominent role.
Udoka trusted Thompson late in games, even drawing up an isolation play against Jaylen Brown in Boston. Thompson delivered with a game-winning floater in a 33-point outburst. That moment symbolized why the Rockets refuse to part with him.
Amen Thompson: The Future of the Franchise
The Rockets believe in Amen Thompson’s work ethic, intelligence, and growth potential. Rafael Stone praised his attitude, saying, “Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done… shockingly easily at times.”
Houston remains focused on development. But should an opportunity arise to land a superstar, the front office will weigh the options—without ever including Thompson in the discussion.
As the Rockets look toward the future, one thing is clear: Amen Thompson represents more than potential—he’s a pillar in the franchise’s vision of a championship core.
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