The Houston Rockets reportedly could be key players leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline even if they don’t land a big-name player.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Houston is considered “highly unlikely” to make a major acquisition prior to the deadline, but the Rockets have told teams they would be interested in being a facilitator in three-team trades.

The Rockets can’t be completely ruled out of the running for a superstar addition, though, as Sam Amick, David Aldridge and Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Houston is “contemplating a pursuit” of Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, and is likely to revisit its long-held interest in Suns guard Devin Booker before the deadline as well.

It is far from guaranteed that the Suns will move Durant or Booker, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported Tuesday that the Suns listed Durant as doubtful for Wednesday’s game with an ankle injury amid reports that Phoenix is listening to trade offers involving him.

While KD may be dealing with an ailment, it could also be a strategic decision on Phoenix’s part in case some type of deal is reached.

After missing the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, the Rockets are finally back in the thick of the postseason race with the third-best record in the Western Conference at 32-18.

Houston’s young core of Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson has blossomed, plus veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks are playing key roles in supporting and leading them.

The Rockets boast one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA, as evidenced by the fact that 2023 first-round pick Cam Whitmore and rookie No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard have struggled to secure consistent playing time.

Fischer pointed to that depth as a primary reason why the Rockets aren’t expected to make any big moves on trade front.

The Rockets do have plenty of tradable salary to use to their advantage, though, including the expiring contracts of Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate.

That, coupled with the fact that they are $10.2 million under the luxury tax, makes the Rockets one of the most flexible teams in the league and the ideal choice for a trade facilitator.

Teams are often able to pick up some extra draft capital by being the third team in a three-team deal, which is likely why that role is reportedly so attractive to Houston’s front office.

As much as the Rockets are likely happy with their standing and would perhaps like to allow their young players to continue growing together, Amick, Aldridge and Slater suggested that the speed of Houston’s ascent to the top could have potentially changed the team’s overall outlook.

If the opportunity to add a player like Durant or Booker becomes real, doing so could put the Rockets in the conversation of being the top team in the Western Conference along with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Even if nothing materializes on that front, though, it sounds like the Rockets will have a significant hand in how things play out on deadline day.