Trade talks between the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets have intensified in the hours leading up to Thursday night's NBA draft and have put the Rockets in position to acquire the Kings' No. 5 pick if Sacramento elects to trade it, according to sources close to the process.

One source said this potential deal is being "heavily discussed."

Sources told ESPN.com the Kings plan to wait as long as possible before committing to the trade to see who falls to them at No. 5. It's believed that Sacramento will walk away from the trade if Kansas' Thomas Robinson is still available.

Yet sources say the Kings, in that scenario, would be walking away from "a lot," suggesting the Rockets have offered even more than the widely reported package of versatile but disgruntled guard Kyle Lowry and multiple picks later in Thursday's first round. Houston holds the Nos. 12, 16 and 18 picks.