NBA Trade Rumors: golden state worries’ Costly Gamble on $53 Million Houston Rockets Star Alperen Şengün Could Backfire in 2025 Season…..see more
Alperen Şengün, a breakout center for the Houston Rockets, signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million extension in October 2024 In the 2024–25 season, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection, averaging 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game across 76 starts During his playoff debut against Golden State, he posted a stellar 20.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game but ultimately fell short in Game 7
The Warriors’ Interest (and Concern)
Golden State is reportedly exploring a high-risk trade centered around Şengün—valued at roughly $53 million per year—to reshape their roster post–Stephen Curry retirement But analysts warn that such a move could backfire: losing Dorian Finney-Smith, a key defensive component, may create a void the new acquisition can’t fill immediately
Why Houston Might Pull Back
Despite trade chatter, Houston appears to reject any proposal involving Şengün. General Manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka have emphasized continuity and development over blockbuster trades. Stone publicly stated that the bar for major roster changes is very high, and Udoka reinforced the team’s confidence in its young core
Houston has also been linked to trading for Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, but insiders indicate that they won’t include Şengün or Amen Thompson in a Durant deal, and only considered including Şengün in a hypothetical Giannis trade—though trade-kicker restrictions currently block Şengün from being dealt this season Reddit.
The Risks for Golden State
Bringing in Şengün poses multiple risks:
- Age & Style Fit: Şengün is just 22 and a developing two-way center. Integrating him could disrupt the spacing and guard-oriented system Golden State has become known for Reddit
- Inexperience: Though productive in the playoffs, Şengün struggled in critical moments—shooting 9-of-23 from the field in Game 7 against the Warriors
- Defensive Trade-Off: Chicago’s post-departure of Finney-Smith hints at weakened perimeter defense—a vulnerability that Golden State’s shifts may exacerbate rather than solve (The Times of India
What’s at Stake
For the Warriors, acquiring a young All-Star center can be a transformative win if he clicks into their system. But sacrificing defensive depth and team chemistry—or getting iced out by Rockets’ reluctance to part with their cornerstone—might result in a net loss. On Houston’s side, maintaining Şengün ensures continuity and aligns with their development-oriented rebuild strategy.
Analyst Takeaways
- The Rockets build around youth and internal growth; trading their star center feels unlikely this season (bballrumors.com
- Fans on Reddit reinforce Houston’s valuation of Şengün:
“In one iteration … hypothetical Ingram‑for‑Alperen Şengün swap … Rockets have no interest”
- Warriors fans express caution too:
“He’s trapped Steph Curry numerous times… now he always makes the smart pass” — praise centered on Şengün’s development, but concerns remain about fit and spacing
Golden State’s potential pursuit of Alperen Şengün represents a bold, expensive gamble. If the fit blossoms and Houston parts ways, it could reshape the Warriors’ future. But the more likely outcome? Houston holds firm—Şengün stays put, and Golden State chases other paths to reinvention.
