Feb. 4, 2026, 7:15 p.m. CT

The Houston Rockets seem primed to dip into the buyout market.

After missing out on rumored trade target Coby White, Houston will have to look elsewhere if it wants to improve its roster and point guard depth, with one option being the buyout market. The Rockets likely don’t have the salary to facilitate a smaller-scale trade, so signing a free agent could be ideal if Houston is looking to add another player.

According to NBA insider Kelly Iko, the Rockets will do just that.

Houston’s post-deadline plans

In a recent article, Iko said that Houston is “gathering intel on potential buyout candidates” ahead of the trade deadline. He also said the Rockets are “open to low-cost moves and asset accumulation by facilitating other larger deals,” which multiple teams have already done in trades involving big names like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis.

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Houston relying on the buyout market to improve the roster does put a ceiling on the type of players the Rockets could bring in, but there are still plenty of guards who could help Houston’s guard rotation. One name that comes to mind is former Rocket, Chris Paul, who is expected to be bought out by the Toronto Raptors and become a free agent.

At 40 years old, Paul is nowhere near the same player that helped lead Houston to the 2018 Western Conference Finals, but his leadership would be a welcome addition in a smaller role. Mike Conley, another veteran point guard who is expected to be available, could be another option for the Rockets.

Perhaps the most interesting buyout candidate for Houston is former second overall pick Lonzo Ball. Expected to be waived by the Utah Jazz, Ball has struggled mightily with his shot this season, but he could benefit from a fresh start with the Rockets.

Regardless of what route Houston takes, it seems the Rockets are hoping to add at least one player as they gear up for a playoff run. Their options are limited in the buyout market, but there are still plenty of players who could help Houston’s rotation and address its lack of point guard depth.