local
Rockets trade up to land Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton in 2nd round
By Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
The Houston Rockets today announced they have completed two trades during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets acquired the rights to Bruce Thornton (the 31st pick) and cash considerations in exchange for the rights to the 39th ...
Key takeaway Thornton (6-0, 223) was eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft following his senior season at Ohio State.
Why this matters in The Pearland
The Rockets' move to trade up for Bruce Thornton in the second round of the NBA Draft could have significant implications for the team's backcourt. With his impressive collegiate career at Ohio State, including becoming the program's all-time leading scorer, Thornton brings a level of scoring punch and playmaking ability that could complement the team's existing roster. As a local fan base, Pearland residents will be eager to see how Thornton fits into the team's rotation and whether he can make an immediate impact. Given his strong assist-to-turnover ratio and shooting percentages, Thornton has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Rockets, particularly under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka. As the team looks to rebuild and compete in the Western Conference, the acquisition of Thornton could be a key step in the right direction, and locals will be watching closely to see how he develops in the upcoming season.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Houston Rockets today announced they have completed two trades during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets acquired the rights to Bruce Thornton (the 31st pick) and cash considerations in exchange for the rights to the 39th ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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