The Houston Rockets have been one of the top team in the Western Conference in first half of the NBA season as they currently sit fourth in the standings with a 30-17 record.
Of course, Houston had high expectations after acquiring Kevin Durant in the offseason to add to their young core led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Advertisement
Houston Rockets forward Kevin DurantTroy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
So far, the Rockets have been able to live up to their lofty expectations entering the season, though they do have some key areas of need heading towards the February 5 trade deadline due to injuries.
Because of this, Houston may look to make some moves ahead of the deadline to upgrade their roster with hopes of competing for a title this season.
Rockets Could Target Bulls’ Coby White to Fill Backcourt Need
One area the Rockets could look to upgrade ahead of the upcoming trade deadline is their point starting point guard position which has been a struggle for them this season after Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in the offseason which has kept him sidelined.
Advertisement
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5)© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
(© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images)
Despite this, Thompson has played well as Houston’s starting point guard, though they could also look to acquire a true point guard ahead of the deadline to upgrade their backcourt.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0)Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
(Nell Redmond-Imagn Images)
If that is the case, Houston could target Chicago Bulls guard Coby White who has been linked to the Rockets this season with the Bulls potentially looking to trade him this season.
Mock Trade sends Coby White to Rockets, Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith to Bulls
In a potential trade, the Rockets could send a package of Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith and draft capital to the Bulls in exchange for White.
Advertisement
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17)Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
While moving both Eason and Finney-Smith could be a tough decision for Houston to make, swapping them for White would give them a reliable young point guard that could set themselves up well for this season and heading into the future.
For White, he would provide the Rockets with a reliable scorer and playmaker at the point guard position that they have lacked for much of the season with VanVleet sidelined.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0)Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
(Nell Redmond-Imagn Images)
This season, the 25-year-old guard is averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 35.0% from three.
Advertisement
By adding White to their roster, the Rockets would finally have a true point guard in their starting lineup and his addition would allow Thompson to return to his more natural forward position.
Bulls guard Coby White shoots over Pacers forward Jarace Walker.Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
While this trade could work out well for the Rockets, the Bulls may want more in return for their young guard or Houston could also look elsewhere to upgrade their roster as they try to make a deep playoff run this season.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.