The Houston Rockets are sticking to their strategy of adding to their young core, without removing from it, even as the team has emerged as a contender. Houston isn't interested in making moves that will shortcut the development process for their young player. And the Rockets aren't interested in mortgaging their long-term future in win-now moves.

That approach has kept Houston from pursuing point guard Ja Morant, despite losing Fred VanVleet for the season with a torn ACL. The Rockets aren't interested in trading any members of their young core for Morant, despite having a need for a veteran point guard.

In the multi-team trade to acquire Kevin Durant and Clint Capela this offseason, Rafael Stone was able to keep his most important young players out of the deal. Houston sent veteran players and draft picks to add Durant and Capela to the core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and others.