The Houston Rockets are not expected to pursue major roster moves this offseason after completing their blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, but the franchise is actively exploring options to trade Cam Whitmore.
With the Rockets having already re-signing Fred VanVleet on a two-year, $50 million contract extension, the organization is now focused on fine-tuning their roster around their new Big Three of Durant, Alperen Sengun, and VanVleet while creating expanded opportunities for rookie Reed Sheppard.
“In terms of grand moves, the roster is set, but there are things that they could do around the edges with exceptions, with signings in free agency,” NBA insider Shams Charania said Thursday on ESPN’s Get Up.
The Athletic’s Charania specifically highlighted Whitmore as a potential trade candidate, noting the young guard has generated significant interest from multiple teams across the league.
“There’s a contract that they have as well—a player in Cam Whitmore, young player with talent that has gotten interest around the league as well,” Charania explained. “That’s someone that you could, if you’re the Rockets, you could potentially move him for draft capital or a player that can help you now.”
Charania indicated the Rockets are particularly interested in pursuing a defensive-minded wing player that helps them replace Dillon Brooks, who was part of their trade package for Durant.
“If they are going to go into free agency, if they are going to look into trades, I think a player that’s kind of the ilk of a Dillon Brooks—a wing-type player that can kind of shore up that spot—that could be of interest for the Rockets,” the ESPN insider said.
Whitmore, the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, showed flashes of potential during his rookie campaign but found limited minutes in Houston’s deep rotation. Last season, Whitmore averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 16.2 minutes across 51 games.
Whitmore’s athleticism and scoring ability have caught the attention of rebuilding franchises looking to add young talent, making him an attractive trade asset for Houston’s front office led by general manager Rafael Stone. Whitmore was initially expected to be a top pick in the 2023 draft before slipping to the Rockets.
