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Rockets reportedly interested in trade for Jazz superstar

The Houston Rockets have their sights set on adding a superstar. Stop me if you’ve heard that before.

The franchise has always craved star-caliber players, ever since Carroll Dawson took over the front office. Daryl Morey picked up where Dawson left off, targeting players like Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and LeBron James in free agency.

The star hunt was not in vain, as Morey managed to land James Harden, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, all via trade, and also managed to land the biggest free agent of the 2013 class in Dwight Howard.

This offseason, the Rockets’ wish list of star players was made public: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell and Mikal Bridges.

It depends on who/what you believe.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen should be added to the list. Lowe faced off against The Lowe Post to discuss Markkanen’s market and mentioned the Rockets as a possible destination for the star player.

“Let’s start with Markkanen. He could fit anywhere. We know the Warriors would love to get him for the right price. That, theoretically, would change the landscape of the Western Conference.

“I’ve mentioned the Spurs as a possibility. The Rockets have been mentioned, just because they have a million young players.”

Lowe explained why he would be against such a move from the Rockets’ perspective, and also explained why it would have such appeal and appeal for the franchise.

“Houston is a really interesting one for me because I feel like if I’m the Rockets, I just have to let this sink in. I’m not rushing it, I just don’t know enough about my team and how it all works and what all these players can do.

I know Ime Udoka and the coaching staff, they want to win. They want to step on the gas now and Markkanen would be a way to step on the gas. They are clearly an interesting team.”

Markkanen was named to the All-Star team in 2022-23, while also winning the Most Improved Player award that same season, with averages of 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 49.9 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from distance, 87.5 percent from the free throw line and 64 percent true shooting. Last season, the 27-year-old averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 48 ​​percent from the field, 39.9 percent from three, 89.9 percent from the free throw line and 63.1 percent true shooting.

From August 6, Markkanen will be eligible for an extension.

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