Home / Sports / Rockets: Draft Wild Card with Star Trade Options
Rockets: Draft Wild Card with Star Trade Options
14 May
Summary
- Rockets are key wild cards in the NBA Draft and offseason.
- Potential trades for stars like Giannis, Kawhi, Mitchell, or Embiid loom.
- Andrejs Stojakovic, son of Peja, is a potential 53rd pick.
The Houston Rockets emerge as major wild cards in this year's NBA Draft and the broader offseason landscape. Their front office possesses considerable draft capital over the coming years, positioning them to pursue significant trades for established stars. Names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, and Joel Embiid have been rumored as potential targets, with any acquisition likely involving a substantial portion of Houston's draft picks.
Even without a lottery pick currently, the Rockets can easily maneuver into the early rounds if desired. As of June 2026, the draft is over a month away, offering ample time for decisions. Houston holds two second-round picks: 39th and 53rd. ESPN's latest mock draft suggests the Rockets could select Andrej Stojakovic, son of former NBA sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, with the 53rd pick. Though Stojakovic's three-point shooting (24.4% last season) is a concern, he showcases remarkable athleticism, including a 41.5-inch vertical at the combine. He also excels at slashing, mid-range scoring, and possesses underrated defensive skills and rebounding ability. Stojakovic is also considering returning to college, making his draft decision uncertain.
