The Houston Rockets are one of the few NBA teams without a first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. But where did that selection go?
The Rockets gave up their 2026 first-round pick almost seven years ago to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a package deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston, pairing him up with James Harden once again. The Thunder acquired Chris Paul, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick and two first-round pick swaps (2021 and 2025).
Earlier this season, the Thunder traded Houston’s 2026 first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for former Duke guard Jared McCain, who’s played a pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s playoff success this season. This helped Philadelphia get back into the first round of a loaded draft class after previously trading their 2026 first-rounder to Oklahoma City to move on from veteran center Al Horford.
Although Houston doesn’t own any first-round picks, they hold two selections in the second round, No. 39 and No. 53.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: What happened to the Rockets’ 2026 first-round pick?
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
