NBA Trade Rumors: Insider predicts blockbuster Rockets deal for $34,848,340 guard as Jalen Green co-star

As the NBA trade deadline gets closer, the Houston Rockets are a team many have their eyes on. Currently holding a top-two spot in the Western Conference, one insider made a bold prediction of them making a big splash for an All-Star.

After years of rebuilding, Houston finds themselves in an interesting position. They have a war chest of draft capital from previous trades and a roster loaded with promising young talent.

Following a mid-season coaching change and failed extension talks over the summer, De'Aaron Fox has been talked about a lot leading up to the February 6th deadline. In a Thursday story for The Athletic, insider John Hollinger touched on the Sacramento Kings guard being an interesting target for the Rockets.

"Should Sacramento make him available, Fox is definitely a tempting target because his age fits better with the rest of this group and his speed fits the Rockets’ up-tempo style," Hollinger wrote. "He just doesn’t raise the half-court ceiling as much as some other players. Also, it’s an open question how the backcourt fits with Fox, Green and VanVleet."

As Hollinger mentioned, Fox's speed would make him a fun co-star to pair with former No. 2 pick Jalen Green. Also, Houston would still have some runway before having to make a big decision with the All-Star guard. Fox is signed through this season at $34.8 million and is on the books for next season at $37 million.

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NBA insider doesn't want to see the Houston Rockets trade for Jimmy Butler

As of now, the Houston Rockets have no real path to acquiring De'Aaron Fox. While he's been speculated on a lot, the Kings have no plans on trading their start guard at the moment.

When it comes to players who are available via trade, Jimmy Butler is the biggest name on the market. However, John Hollinger made it clear that he doesn't like this trade for Houston. Adding Butler would solve some issues, but could create an even bigger glaring weakness for the current roster.

"I don’t think Butler actually helps them that much," Hollinger wrote. "If they’re still getting peak Butler he solves the lack of a go-to guy in clutch situations, but Houston’s other big issue in the half court is a lack of shooting, and Butler does nothing to fix that."

The Rockets were connected to Butler early on in the reporting of his trade demand, but haven't been brought up much as of late. This is likely for the best, as the franchise's timeline isn't a clear match for a star in the late stage of their career.

With about three weeks to go until the deadline, Houston still has time to decide if they'll hold off or make a swing to try and be a threat in the postseason this year.