Rockets predicted to trade Jabari Smith Jr., ex-Laker for Wizards' $175M Finals champion, All-Star

The Houston Rockets were first-round exits this season after losing their playoff series to the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without Luka Doncic. They are gearing up for next season, as Fred VanVleet will be returning from injury along with much of their core.

The Rockets also have the flexibility to be aggressive this summer if they choose. Houston could trade for a superstar-caliber player if it wants to put itself in position to compete for a championship next season.

“Houston has the ammunition to pull the trigger on another blockbuster trade. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard highlight a promising group of players who have already competed in high-stakes playoff games. Production aside, they could be the building blocks to a franchise looking to get younger. The Rockets also have seven first-round picks between 2027 and 2032. They could package a few picks and just a portion of that young core to land a win-now star,” SI’s Jed Katz wrote.

It is just a matter of which superstar the Rockets decide to pursue. One possibility is a blockbuster trade for Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis.

“Houston Rockets receive: Anthony Davis Washington Wizards receive: Tari Eason (via sign-and-trade), Jabari Smith Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, three second-round picks,” Katz wrote.

Davis at power forward alongside Alperen Sengun could be a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. The good news for Houston is that Davis reportedly wants out of Washington before even playing a game for the franchise.

“Anthony Davis has seemed to make his stance clear behind the scenes that if he had his choice, he wouldn't be sticking around with the Washington Wizards. Washington hoped that their trade deadline acquisition would help lead their young core to the next step in their rebuild, especially after landing Trae Young just before their addition of AD,” Wiz of Awe’s John Canady wrote.

Adding Davis would give Houston a starting lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Anthony Davis, Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun. That is a talented group that blends youth and veteran experience well.

Davis is on a $175 million contract and has a player option after next season. This could end up being a one-year rental, or he could choose to finish out his deal in Houston. Either way, an aggressive move like this would signal that the Rockets are all-in on competing for a championship.

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