Celtics rally past Sixers in wild Game 2

The Houston Rockets had a plan to be a player with cap space in the summer of 2025. When guard Donovan Mitchell and Derrick White signed extensions with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics respectively, the Rockets changed gears. Mitchell and White are favorites of Houston head coach Ime Udoka and the team could have pursued either player in 2025 free agency.

With the veteran guards off the board, Houston decided to extend Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun on rookie scale extensions instead of creating cap space next offseason. Now, the Rockets GM Rafael Stone may use Green, who will make just over $33 million in Year 1 of his extension (with a 10% trade bonus), as a trade piece next offseason.

Houston was linked to Kevin Durant last summer, and acquired some of the Phoenix Suns own draft picks in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Rockets could use those picks, Green and other players in an offer for Durant, should the veteran superstar become available.

Host Danny Leroux talks with Jared Dubin of Last Night in Basketball about the imminent NBA trade deadline.

They discuss how Joel Embiid’s injury affects the 76ers’ approach (before Sunday’s announcement), the Knicks’ amazing January, which teams may hold their players until the offseason and much more.

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