Houston Rockets Reportedly Explored Kevon Looney Addition Last Offseason

The Houston Rockets continue to reshape their identity, and a new report reveals just how active the front office was behind the scenes. According to a recent piece from Sports Illustrated, Houston explored the possibility of acquiring veteran center Kevon Looney during the 2023 offseason. The talks never materialized into a deal, but they offer a glimpse into the team’s strategy and priorities as it built out a deeper, more experienced roster.

Looney, a three-time NBA champion known for his physicality and playoff poise, would have brought a stabilizing presence to a young Rockets squad. Houston entered last season aiming to blend rising talent with reliable veterans, and Looney checked many of those boxes. Though the Warriors chose to keep him at the time, his name surfacing in Houston’s conversations shows the team’s continued commitment to improving its interior toughness and rebounding.

Why Looney Made Sense for Houston

With the Rockets trying to climb back into postseason contention, targeting a proven big man reflects a clear strategy: balance youth with players who know how to win. Looney is not a high-volume scorer, but he excels at setting screens, protecting the rim, and making smart decisions—traits that help young guards operate more freely.

Houston’s frontcourt rotation has solidified since that offseason, but Looney’s skill set still mirrors the type of presence the Rockets have valued: steady, team-first, and battle-tested. The front office has repeatedly emphasized defense and physical identity, and Looney has long been one of the league’s most dependable role players in that category.

What’s Next for the Rockets?

As the team continues its evolution, the Rockets’ interest in players like Looney signals that they remain opportunistic and willing to explore moves that enhance their depth. Houston’s young core—anchored by Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson—has shown promising development. Adding complementary veterans around them has been a consistent theme since last offseason.

While Looney is now playing for New Orleans after Golden State’s roster changes, the Rockets may revisit similar targets in future cycles. The franchise has cap flexibility, a growing identity, and a front office eager to accelerate the path back to playoff relevance.

Even though the Looney move never happened, fans can expect the Rockets to remain active in exploring ways to strengthen the roster—especially with a tough Western Conference pushing every young team to mature fast.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.