Justin Smith

Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images The Houston Rockets currently stand at 12-6 and are only a game out of first place in the Western Conference. The team has exceeded expectations and looks to have one of the brightest futures. To the casual fan, this would sound great. For Rockets fan, it has been promising, but it hasn't come without grievances. Even though the team has been among the league’s best so far, there still feels like there’s some meat left on the bones.

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Trade winds always seem to swirl around the Houston Rockets these days, and given the perception of their lofty expectations, it’s not a surprise in the slightest. The Dream Shake is also no stranger to breaking out the trade machine. However, today isn’t one of those days. I say that because per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Rockets are not currently looking to move any of their young core.

Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images Through the first eighth of the season, the Houston Rockets are huddled up right in the thick of the Western Conference race. So far, the Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors have established themselves as the most formidable teams out west with a herd of eight other teams, including the Rockets, packed tightly together.