With the Houston Rockets blasting off, a team that was prepared to go through the doldrums of a rebuild are now faced with a few difficult decisions.
On the surface, the biggest appears to be whether to trade for a proven All-Star. To that end, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a dream target. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has been tied to them, though his age may diminish their interest in a pursuit. As it often happens though, the splash the Rockets make this summer might not be that big.
Instead, it could feature a less accomplished but still fascinating player: Cam Whitmore.
Rockets Best Trade Destinations For Cam Whitmore
Whitmore has a career average of 10.8 points per game.
Brooklyn Nets
The Rockets could trade Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale and the 2025 No. 10 pick to the Brooklyn Nets, in exchange for Cam Johnson, Noah Clowney and the 2025 No. 19 pick. Of note, there are already rumors about the Nets’ willingness to package Johnson and the No. 19 pick in order to attain a second lottery pick (h/t Nets Daily on X). Thus, this would seem to be a realistic scenario.
Hearing Nets may want to move up from #19 to the lottery, offering CamJ and #19 to Raptors or Rockets for either Raps 9th or Rockets 10th plus a bad contract. That would give Nets two picks in top 10 (presupposing neither team would need picks for Giannis trade.)
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) June 4, 2025
In this deal, the Rockets lose Whitmore’s scoring spark and Smith’s floor-spacing. On a team that’s further behind in their rebuild, such as the Nets, they both can play a larger role than they currently have. Brooklyn also increases their chances of getting a game-changing prospect with the 2025 No. 10 pick.
Johnson arrives in Houston as yet another switchable forward, albeit one with more experience than Tari Eason and a more dependable 3-ball than Dillon Brooks. Clowney is a versatile big man still looking to find his footing. The 2023 No. 21 pick has the tools necessary to replace Smith.
Denver Nuggets
If Denver Nuggets fans had a dollar for every time they complained about their bench, they could pay Nikola Jokic’s salary out of their own pocket. With that being said, Whitmore may not win Sixth Man of the Year in 2025-25. Nevertheless, he can be a productive addition to the rotation.
Cam Whitmore will make some franchise extremely happy. 2Way Versatile Athletic Wing (ONLY 20 years OLD) with crazy upside!
The Houston Rockets are wing loaded but this guy has an argument to have all the tools to be an All Star level player. pic.twitter.com/czdmEzqpAi— Active Sports
(@ActiveHoopers) May 20, 2025
He can consistently get his own bucket, a problem area for multiple Nuggets players. Yet, with his athleticism and finishing ability, he can also thrive as a cutter when Jokic is on the court. In the right role, he should have no problem averaging in double-figures.
Houston may be willing to trade Whitmore for Russell Westbrook straight up, as Westbrook’s intensity and body of work will likely appeal to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. However, Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson’s combined salaries conveniently match that of Aaron Holiday. As a point guard, Holiday becomes even more expendable if Houston acquires Westbrook, though he’s a far better 3-point shooter.
Charlotte Hornets
With the Rockets looking at add a center to their second unit, Whitmore may be a means to an end.
The Charlotte Hornets are a natural trade partner, as they’re willing to trade one of their quality rotation bigs. Had the Los Angeles Lakers not reneged on their trade deadline deal for Mark Williams, it might not be so easy for them though. Because of the questions surrounding his health, he’s a more affordable option than he’d be otherwise.
He’s not as burly as Steven Adams, but Williams is still gargantuan at 7-foot-0 and 241 pounds. He’s also more athletic than Adams, who wasn’t ground-bound but not a high jumper either. Lastly, he’s skilled enough for the Rockets to not have to completely shun their low-post offense when Alperen Sengun’s off the court.
If Houston includes Smith in the deal, they may be able to get 3-and-D veteran Josh Okogie as well.
© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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