Potential trade targets for Rockets as NBA’s Feb. 8 deadline nears

The Houston Rockets are more competitive than many expected in the 2023-24 season, but they’re not yet a contending team.

Thus, even though they have clear roster needs such as a true backup center, it doesn’t make sense for the Rockets (19-21) to pursue them at all costs whentheir contending window isn’t quite open.

With that in mind, Houston Chronicle beat writer Jonathan Feigen reported that general manager Rafael Stone will likely prioritize value over need as the NBA’s Feb. 8 in-season trade deadline nears.

In his deadline preview story, Feigen noted that a playmaker off the bench could be an option for Stone and the Rockets, as well.

With the Feb. 8 in-season deadline less than three weeks away, here’s a look at players connected to the Rockets in rumors to date. Houston does have several non-essential players on expiring contracts — most notably, Victor Oladipo and Jock Landale — to meet the NBA’s salary matching rules for many of these potential targets.

Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks

• Position: 6-foot-10 center, 256 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 11.4 points (58.5% FG), 10.4 rebounds in 26.2 minutes
• Salary: $20.6 million in 2023-24, $22.3 million in 2024-25

Report of Rockets’ interest

AJ Griffin, Atlanta Hawks

• Position: 6-foot-6 forward, 220 pounds
• Career statistics: 7.7 points (45.4% FG, 38.1% on 3-pointers), 1.9 rebounds in 17.5 minutes
• Salary: $3.7 million in 2023-24, $3.9 million in 2024-25, team option for $6.0 million in 2025-26

Report of Rockets’ interest

Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings

• Position: 6-foot-8 forward, 225 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 10.6 points (47.4% FG, 39.4% on 3-pointers), 2.8 rebounds in 29.1 minutes
• Salary: $17.0 in 2023-24, $18.0 million in 2024-25, $19.0 million in 2025-26

Report of Rockets’ interest

Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets

• Position: 7-foot-0 center, 245 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 8.7 points (67.5% FG), 7.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes
• Salary: $5.0 million in 2023-24, $5.0 million in 2024-25, $5.0 million in 2025-26

Report of Rockets’ interest

Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards

• Position: 6-foot-10 center, 234 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 10.4 points (68.5% FG), 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks in 26.1 minutes
• Salary: $12.4 million in 2023-24, $13.4 million in 2024-25, $14.4 million in 2025-26

Report of Rockets’ interest

Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls

• Position: 6-foot-11 center, 279 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 7.4 points (54.5% FG), 8.4 rebounds in 15.9 minutes
• Salary: $3.4 million in 2023-24

Report of Rockets’ interest

Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks

• Position: 6-foot-5 wing, 210 pounds
• Career statistics: 8.6 points (43.8% FG, 38.3% on 3-pointers), 2.5 rebounds in 23.6 minutes
• Salary: $2.4 million in 2023-24, $4.3 million in 2024-25

Report of Rockets’ interest

Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz

• Position: 6-foot-11 forward/center, 240 pounds
• 2023-24 statistics: 8.0 points (54.6% FG, 41.7% on 3-pointers), 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists in 20.9 minutes
• Salary: $12.2 million in 2023-24

Report of Rockets’ interest