Rockets Eyeing Lakers' Marcus Smart! Confident in Retaining Eason, Seeking to Trade Dorian Finney-Smith

On June 27th Beijing time, according to renowned reporters Stein and Fischer, the Rockets, who were viewed last month as a possible landing spot for Brown, have not engaged in discussions with the Celtics recently and have no immediate intention of trading for the star. While the Rockets have stopped actively chasing Brown, they are targeting another former Udoka disciple from his Celtics days. Marcus Smart is considering declining his $5.4 million player option with the Lakers for next season and entering free agency; if he does so, the Rockets will become one of the primary suitors.

As for Brown's most likely destination, Stein and Fischer report that multiple league sources unanimously indicate the Trail Blazers are the most aggressive team in pursuing the Celtics star. Previously, the Blazers failed to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Wizards center Anthony Davis was their backup Plan B, but Portland's interest in Jaylen Brown dates back to Damian Lillard's first stint with the team.

The Rockets are confident in retaining core free agent Tari Eason. Additionally, they are looking to trade veteran wing Dorian Finney-Smith. After undergoing ankle surgery, Finney-Smith's first season with the Rockets was underwhelming. He has three years and $40 million remaining on his contract, but only the $13.34 million salary for the 2026-27 season is guaranteed.

Last season, Smart played 62 regular-season games, averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists; Brown played 71 games, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists; Eason played 60 games, averaging 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists; Finney-Smith played 37 games, averaging 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.