The Houston Rockets have been a busy team in the 2025 offseason. They kicked it off with a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, which has made them contenders. They signed Fred VanVleet and head coach Ime Udoka to extensions, which further cements their plans to compete.

On Saturday, July 5, the Rockets sent Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks. For the Wizards, it was an absolute steal due to Whitmore’s potential to become a high-level starter.

The trade led to many puzzled reactions, but the reports showed the Rockets were helping Whitmore. They wanted him to land on a team where he could thrive, and the Wizards might be the best choice.

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The Rockets always had good intentions with Whitmore, but he never got long-term opportunities with the team. He is now on his way to the Wizards, a team where players can thrive due to the opportunities.

It might be a bit weird due to the number of veterans on the roster. Players like Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, and CJ McCollum are on the roster. That might be an obstacle for Whitmore, but the front office wants their youth to thrive.

The Wizards can create space for their new players, as Brogdon is a target for other teams. With all the other veterans, they could be valuable pieces for any contending team willing to pay their salary.

Initially, it was a trade that confused people. However, Shams Charania’s report on ESPN cleared it up for people within the NBA community.

“The Rockets worked with Whitmore and his reps at WME Basketball over the past few weeks on a new home. Houston officials had multiple offers on the table for Whitmore but wanted to see him go somewhere that gave him a legitimate chance to thrive in his career,” Charania said in his ESPN report.

With Whitmore and Jalen Green departing, the Rockets have no natural shooting guard. The plan is likely for Amen Thompson to slot in as the new shooting guard. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. are the wings, which should make this team quite balanced.

They have the shooting with VanVleet, Durant, and Smith. Thompson is a game-changing defender, while Alperen Sengun is an ever-reliable paint presence.

The Rockets’ 2025 offseason is a series of savvy front office moves by Rafael Stone. That is a good start, as they look to build on their second-seed finish in the 2024-25 season. If they can keep the momentum going, the Rockets are a dangerous team in the Western Conference.