NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Head coaches Houston Rockets should target to replace Mike D'Antoni

Head coach Mike D'Antoni announced his departure from the Houston Rockets after they crashed out of the NBA playoffs recently. Naturally, speculation has started building around the Rockets' head coach job, with NBA trade rumors suggesting that the Texas-based franchise will be appointing a coach chosen by General Manager Daryl Morey.

Owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed the same, with the hunt for Houston Rockets' new coach now underway.

In this article, we will take a look at the prospective candidates that the Houston Rockets should consider for the head coach role.

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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 coaches Houston Rockets should look to make a move for in the offseason

#1 Sam Cassell

Los Angeles Clippers v Denver Nuggets

According to multiple NBA trade rumors, Sam Cassell is the number one choice for the Rockets' front office next season. A former Houston Rockets player, Cassell is currently an assistant to LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers.

Reports suggest that Cassell has also shown interest in the role, which could lead to an agreement between the two parties. The LA Clippers assistant is revered amongst Houston Rockets fans, and his potential arrival could be a breath of fresh air for the franchise.

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#2 Mark Jackson

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Five

Currently a game analyst for ESPN, Mark Jackson has been on the NBA head coach market for a few years now. The former Golden State Warriors coach has been linked to multiple teams in the past few years. He is a respected figure in the NBA community and could bring a new element to the Houston Rockets team through his defensive adjustments.

Jackson did a commendable job at Golden State before getting replaced by Steve Kerr. NBA trade rumors suggest that the Rockets are considering Jackson for the head coach gig, and it won't be a surprise if he is on the sidelines coaching James Harden and co next season.

NBA Trade Rumors: 5 coaches Houston Rockets should look to make a move for in the off-season (cont.)

#3 Stan Van Gundy

Toronto Raptors v Detroit Pistons

Stan Van Gundy, another analyst on this list, is expected to have a head coach role with one of the many NBA teams who have parted ways with their coaches this season. The former Detroit Pistons coach boasts of a strong resume, having coached teams like the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic in the past.

Apart from serving as the head coach of the Pistons, he also took up the role of Head of Basketball Operations at the franchise. Houston Rockets are known to hire coaches who have a great character, and Van Gundy certainly checks that box for Daryl Morey and co.

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#4 Tyronn Lue

Cleveland Cavaliers v Detroit Pistons

It is safe to say Tyronn Lue will have a lot of head coach offers from NBA teams on his table this offseason. Currently an assistant to Doc Rivers at LA Clippers, Lue has won a championship, something very few NBA coaches can brag about.

The manner in which he won the ring was also remarkable. His team fought back from a 3-1 deficit against a Golden State Warriors side which had at least three Hall of Famers.

Lue did some exemplary work with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, which is something that the Houston Rockets would hope he can replicate if he is hired. However, NBA trade rumors indicate that Lue is the Philadelphia 76ers' number one target this offseason. It will be interesting to see if he spurns them to coach James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

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#5 Jeff Van Gundy

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

A Houston Rockets legend, Jeff Van Gundy led the Tracy McGrady-Yao Ming era team to multiple playoff appearances in the mid-2000s. He is popular amongst the Rockets fans and it would not be surprising to see him getting hired as the head coach.

Van Gundy has an abundance of NBA head coaching experience, something that could tip the scales in his favor if he chooses to apply for the head coach role.

According to NBA trade rumors, Jeff Van Gundy is a strong favorite for the Houston Rockets head coach role and has the nod of approval from the front office executives. However, Van Gundy has not experienced a lot of success in the playoffs with the Rockets and that might change the ownership's mind.