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The Houston Rockets have informed rival front offices that second-year forward Amen Thompson is untouchable in potential trade discussions despite the team’s interest in acquiring a star player, sources told ESPN. Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting this season.

Thompson’s scoring average jumped from 9.5 points as a rookie to 14.1 points in his sophomore campaign. His defensive prowess and offensive improvement have solidified his status as a cornerstone piece for Houston’s rebuilding efforts. Thompson was ranked 17th on Bill Simmons’ Trade Value list as recently as late January.

Team executives internally compare the 6-foot-7 Thompson’s ceiling to Russell Westbrook in his prime, despite Thompson’s developing jump shot. The organization has not yet fully deployed him as a lead ball-handler but remains open to expanding his role.

Thompson demonstrated his clutch potential in January against the Boston Celtics when Ime Udoka entrusted him with the final possession. Thompson beat Jaylen Brown in isolation to hit the game-winning floater, capping a 33-point performance.

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone expressed confidence in Thompson’s rapid development trajectory.

“He’s already become a really good NBA player,” Stone said. “He should be much, much better than this year next year, and that should go on for the foreseeable future. Great kid, works really hard, is really smart. Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done. He’s done it quickly and at times shockingly easily.”

“There’s no question in my mind that there are multiple guys on this roster now who can potentially be the best player on a championship team, given their age,” Patrick Fertitta told ESPN late in the regular season. “You don’t see guys at this age be that person yet, but I have a lot of confidence that one of these guys, if not a few of them, can become that.”