Amen Thompson has emerged as one of the Houston Rockets’ most impactful players, so much so that the team considers the second-year pro “untouchable” in any trade talks, even as they search for their next superstar.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the 22-year-old swingman, drafted at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is viewed as one of the Houston Rockets’ cornerstones in the foreseeable future.
“The evaluation of the initial playoff experience for the Rockets’ rising young stars will be an important element of those internal discussions,” MacMahon wrote.
“A blockbuster trade would require the Rockets to give up some of that young talent, although Houston has made it known to other front offices that Thompson is considered untouchable,” he added.
Houston Rockets GM sees bright future in Amen Thompson
In the same report, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said he feels vindicated with drafting Amen Thompson because of his rapid development.
“He’s already become a really good NBA player,” Stone said about Thompson. “He should be much, much better than this year next year, and that should go on for the foreseeable future. Great kid, works really hard, is really smart. Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done. He’s done it quickly and at times shockingly easily.”
Thompson has been solid in his first playoffs, averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 50.0 percent shooting from the field – all while regularly defending Stephen Curry.
