The quandary that Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson faces with Thursday's 2 p.m. trade deadline rapidly approaching is probably a good sign. But that, he said, makes his decisions more difficult.

The Rockets have done enough for there to be reason to seek a deal to help them move to the next echelon to contenders. But that success also gives them reason to be cautious with the roster.

With the stakes raised, so is the risk.

"I don't think you tinker with it," Dawson said. "You try to only mess with chemistry when you're pretty sure you added talent or a better fit.

"It's got to be a definite thing you see helps the overall team, that improves a certain position or solves a problem."

Coach Jeff Van Gundy said there was an addition he felt could complement the team, but he left it at that.

"Obviously, we're in fifth place," Van Gundy said. "You can't rest until you've won it. Dallas last year was in the Finals. They went out and added four new pieces. You have to keep searching until you feel you got it just right. But that doesn't mean every time you're going to decide change is the best way, either. Sometimes, not doing anything is the best move."