Feb. 5, 2026, 9:03 p.m. CT

It was an uneventful trade deadline for the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets were one of just three teams, along with the Heat and the Spurs, that didn’t make a trade before Thursday’s late afternoon deadline. After missing out on rumored trade target Coby White, a pivot to teammate Ayo Dosunmu seemed possible, but the Bulls sent Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Unable to strike a deal with Chicago, the Rockets stood pat and are now focused on the buyout market. While it limits the number of players Houston can select from to improve its backcourt, there are still plenty of options that make sense for the Rockets.

Top three candidates for Houston

Of all the candidates on the buyout market, Cam Thomas is the most intriguing. Waived by the Brooklyn Nets shortly after the deadline, he would be an immediate boost to the Rockets as a secondary scorer and playmaker. He also has familiarity with Kevin Durant, his former teammate in Brooklyn, and has high upside at just 24 years old.

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This season, Thomas is averaging 15.6 points and 3.1 assists across 24 games while shooting 39.9% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc. It isn’t the most efficient production, but last year he averaged 24 points per game while shooting 43.8% from the field, and that’s the form of Thomas the Rockets will hope they get if they can sign him.

There is some injury concern with Thomas as he’s struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons. Last year, he was limited to just 24 games with three left hamstring strains, and he’s missed time with the same injury this season. Despite his troublesome left hamstring, Thomas might have the highest upside of any buyout candidate available for Houston, and he should be its top priority.

If Thomas signs elsewhere, another interesting candidate is Lonzo Ball. Ball was waived by the Utah Jazz on Thursday, making him a free agent. This season, Ball has struggled with his shot, averaging just 4.6 points per game on 30.1% shooting from the field.

While Houston’s offense doesn’t need another non-spacer, he’s still a solid playmaker and creator, both qualities that would help the Rockets. Ball doesn’t have the same upside as Thomas, but he’d likely be much easier for Houston to acquire.

If both Thomas and Ball sign somewhere else, the final option that makes the most sense for Houston is Mike Conley. Also waived on Thursday, Conley’s experience and leadership at 38 years old could be valuable during a potential Rockets playoff run.

Averaging career lows across the board, the team that Conley signs with could be the final one of his career. While that may scare away some teams, it shouldn’t stop a team like Houston that’s trying to win now, especially if Conley would have a smaller role off the bench.

There’s no shortage of options for Houston in the buyout market, but Thomas, Ball and Conley make the most sense for the Rockets. Even if it’s not one of those three, expect Houston to sign at least one player while it gears up for the stretch run.