Rockets must pass on trade for potentially available star player

Houston Rockets v Utah Jazz | Alex Goodlett/GettyImagesThe Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant this summer, but they've still got enough ammunition to make another blockbuster deal. They shouldn't spend that ammunition on Lauri Markkanen.

This is not a hit piece. Markkanen is a very good player. Some Rockets fans would likely love to see him on the roster.

That's understandable. Markkanen is a star player in his prime. NBA insider Zach Lowe suspects he'll be on the move this season.

Why wouldn't the Rockets be interested?

Markkanen would be too costly for the Rockets

In 2024-25, Markkanen averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Jazz. It was another productive season for a player…