The Golden State Warriors faced a disappointing end to their season as they succumbed to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs. After a promising start against the Houston Rockets in the first round, the Warriors struggled with the absence of guard Stephen Curry, who was injured in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Timberwolves capitalized on the Warriors' lack of size, effectively utilizing their two-big lineups featuring Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.

Despite taking the first game, the Warriors could not recover, losing four consecutive games. With Curry and Draymond Green aging, and head coach Steve Kerr's contract expiring after next season, the Warriors face a critical offseason. Rumors suggested a pursuit of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen to bolster their frontcourt, but reports indicate the team may look elsewhere, emphasizing the need for a physical presence to compete against larger opponents.

The Houston Rockets have officially converted guard Nate Williams from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal worth $8.2 million over four years. This move also led to the release of center Cody Zeller, who was acquired in a trade with Atlanta but never suited up for the Rockets. Williams, 26, has participated in eight games this season, averaging 11 points in a notable performance against the Golden State Warriors. Previously undrafted from Buffalo, he spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers and primarily played in the G League before joining Houston.

This transaction leaves the Rockets with an open two-way roster spot ahead of the upcoming deadline, where they could potentially add more talent to their roster. The team currently has two players on two-way contracts, Jack McVeigh and N'Faly Dante, further emphasizing their focus on developing young players like Williams.

The NBA trade deadline sparked significant movement among players, with notable trades including Jaden Springer being shipped from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets alongside a second-round pick. Despite this transition, Springer’s time with the Rockets was short-lived as he was waived shortly after. In his brief stint with Boston, he played 43 games but only averaged one point per game, a stark contrast to his prior achievements with the Philadelphia 76ers where he contributed to a championship win. The Houston Rockets, after acquiring veteran Cody Zeller from the Atlanta Hawks, opted to let go of Springer, leaving him without a team.

Springer had previously garnered recognition in the G League, winning a championship with the Delaware Blue Coats and earning Finals MVP honors. This waiver has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, as many believe his G League success could entice another NBA team to take a chance on him in the future.

The Houston Rockets opted for roster stability as the NBA trade deadline passed, retaining all 14 players while adding veteran center Cody Zeller. Despite a season-worst four-game losing streak, coach Ime Udoka expressed confidence in his young team's potential, emphasizing development over seeking immediate upgrades. Players like Jalen Green showcased a sense of contentment with the team's performance, maintaining a respectable position in the Western Conference standings. Unlike rivals who made significant trades, the Rockets focused on internal growth, while also eyeing the upcoming buyout market for potential reinforcements.

While the team has faced challenges, including injuries to key players like Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets are determined to finish strong before the All-Star break. The recent surge in trade activity across the league, highlighted by deals involving stars such as Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis, has left Houston observers questioning their decision to remain quiet at the deadline. The Rockets’ management appears committed to sticking with their current roster, emphasizing chemistry and long-term growth in their strategy.

The Houston Rockets have made a strategic move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring center Cody Zeller and a 2028 second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks. This transaction involved the Rockets waiving Jaden Springer, whom they had acquired from the Celtics just days prior. In a calculated approach to stock up on draft assets, the Rockets also sent the Hawks the rights to Alpha Kaba, a previously drafted player.

Zeller, who has not played this season following his acquisition by Atlanta, carries a cap hit of $3.5 million for this year as part of a three-year, $11 million contract. The Rockets now sit $3.1 million beneath the tax line after completing this deal, maintaining their roster stability while enhancing their future draft capital.