The Rockets were willing to face that likelihood and make the tough choices on (Goran) Dragic and (Kyle) Lowry for the same reasons. In both cases, they gave up players who were keys to any success they had last season to try to better position themselves to rebuild, according to a person familiar with their thinking.

Unable to work a deal for a star-quality player or premium draft pick while offering Lowry, the Rockets came to believe they are more likely to get that kind of trade if offering a top pick.

The Rockets would get the Raptors’ pick if it falls between four and 14 next season. If it doesn’t, they would get it if it’s between three and 14 the following two seasons. If they still have not gotten the pick, the Rockets would get it if it is between the second and 14th picks. If the Raptors make the playoffs for the next five seasons, the Rockets would get their pick the following season.

via Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle