The news of Fred VanVleet`s injury is undoubtedly devastating. Just as the Houston Rockets solidified their position as potential contenders by acquiring Kevin Durant and signing Dorian Finney-Smith, they now face the loss of their starting point guard, almost certainly for the entire season, due to a torn ACL before training camp even began.
While not an All-Star, VanVleet`s significance to the Rockets cannot be overstated. With their formidable size, defense, and Durant`s elite scoring, VanVleet was the crucial player intended to bring all these elements together. Amen Thompson is expected to get an opportunity to run the offense, and Reed Sheppard might surprise, but realistically, Houston must actively explore trade options to fill VanVleet`s considerable void. Here are ten players the Rockets should be considering.
1. Derrick White
The Rockets should aim high from the outset. With Boston potentially navigating a transitional period, Derrick White represents a significant, long-term upgrade over VanVleet, secured for the next four years. White is a true winner, reminiscent of a modern-day Jrue Holiday, perfectly suited to complement any star in any system. For a team on the cusp of contention, he is the definitive player to push them over the top.
The challenge, however, is Boston`s high regard for White. While it`s uncertain if they would seriously consider a trade, any such deal would demand substantial assets. Fortunately, Houston possesses a wealth of draft capital and promising young talents like Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and/or Tari Eason. Initiating discussions for White should have been Houston`s first move after VanVleet`s injury, as a mutually beneficial deal is genuinely plausible.
2. Andrew Nembhard
Andrew Nembhard would be another excellent acquisition for the Rockets, especially as the Pacers appear to be focusing on future development this season without Tyrese Haliburton. Nembhard would not come cheap; Indiana values him highly for his exceptional talent and long-term potential. However, if the Rockets believe Nembhard is the piece that elevates them to championship status, overwhelming the Pacers with a package that secures their future could make perfect sense for both organizations.
Would trading Sheppard for Nembhard be worth it? While it`s understandable some might hesitate given Sheppard`s theoretical long-term fit next to Amen Thompson due to his expected shooting, Kevin Durant`s presence dictates a “win-now” scenario for Houston. This highlights the Rockets` challenge of balancing immediate contention with their promising young core of Thompson, Sengun, and Sheppard.
Nevertheless, Nembhard is a legitimate starting point guard on a championship-contending team, excelling on both ends of the floor. It wouldn`t be surprising if Reed Sheppard doesn`t reach that same elite level. Houston should at least inquire about Nembhard`s availability, ideally without including Sheppard in the initial offer.
3. Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday offers a similar ideal fit for the Rockets as Derrick White, but he is likely more attainable. This is primarily due to Holiday being an older, slightly less impactful player than White, and he carries a less favorable contract. While Houston might regret the deal in a year or two, with Kevin Durant approaching 37, the team`s focus must be on immediate success.
Despite Holiday`s potential value as a mentor in Portland for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe (a role now somewhat filled by Damian Lillard from the sidelines), his $105 million, three-year contract seems perplexing for a team aiming to merely contend for a play-in spot.
This contract, much like the Jerami Grant deal, appears to be a misstep, and the Blazers should be open to moving him if Houston expresses interest. Although Holiday is past his prime, he would still significantly boost Houston`s title chances as a trusted ball-handler and a top-tier defender, and he would require a significantly smaller trade package than White.
4. C.J. McCollum
C.J. McCollum would not provide the defensive impact of White or Holiday, but Houston`s roster is long and deep enough defensively to absorb this. The upside is McCollum`s proven ability as a playoff scorer and a sharp-shooting three-point threat (which the Rockets desperately need). He is also reliable in lead-guard responsibilities during tense playoff moments.
Another positive is McCollum`s expiring contract, meaning he won`t burden Houston`s salary cap beyond this season. A trade involving VanVleet`s salary and some filler could make the financials work. The question is whether Houston would trade a future first-round pick for a 34-year-old before he potentially becomes available on the buyout market. If so, the Wizards would be unwise to decline such an offer.
5. Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard stands out as a top target for the Rockets. He is a genuine offensive weapon, and despite his size limitations, he`s an intensely competitive defender capable of making a real two-way difference, especially with the robust support Houston`s roster offers.
From my perspective, I would personally include Sheppard in a deal with the Celtics for Pritchard. I rate Pritchard that highly. I also believe Pritchard is a very realistic comparable for what Sheppard could eventually become, given their similar physical profiles. It`s difficult to identify significant things Sheppard can do that Pritchard cannot. While Sheppard might develop into a slightly better player in three or four years, the immediate value Pritchard brings to a team focused on current contention makes the short-term gain, in my view, worth the long-term risk.
6. Jose Alvarado
Everyone appreciates Jose Alvarado`s impact off the bench. But could he be the starting point guard for a championship-level team? In Houston`s unique situation, where he wouldn`t need to play extensive minutes alongside Amen Thompson and potentially Reed Sheppard, the answer is likely yes. Even if he doesn`t start, his role would be crucial in sharing playoff minutes if Thompson isn`t yet ready for full-time responsibility.
Alvarado is small, but the Rockets are collectively a very big team. He offers shooting, ball-handling, and intense defensive pressure. His contract is a bargain at $4.5 million, with a player option in 2026 he would likely decline. With New Orleans having traded for Jordan Poole (a move still baffling to some) and drafting Jeremiah Fears, plus Dejounte Murray still on the roster, their point/combo guard minutes are congested, potentially making Alvarado available.
Houston should certainly explore Alvarado`s availability for a package that wouldn`t impact their core rotation, perhaps centered around Jae`Sean Tate and a draft pick as a friendly offer.
7. Collin Sexton
If Collin Sexton was largely overlooked in Utah, he`s now even more in the NBA`s background in Charlotte. He`s on an expiring $19 million deal, and he can definitely play. This is a player who has consistently averaged over 18 points per game on 40% three-point shooting in just 27-28 minutes over the past two seasons. He`s a high-level competitor who won`t shy away from the big moments the Rockets anticipate playing in.
The primary question is how much Houston is willing to sacrifice for Sexton, considering he would likely command over $20 million annually to retain next season. This dilemma applies to any offense-centric target. Having already traded Dillon Brooks and lost VanVleet, Houston`s defense has taken a hit. If they further trade a defensive asset like Tari Eason or Jabari Smith Jr. for another non-defender, the team risks becoming overly offensive-minded, leaving Amen Thompson to carry a heavy burden on the perimeter defense. These are not simple decisions.
8. Ty Jerome
The Grizzlies recently signed Ty Jerome, but they also have Scotty Pippen Jr. (who we`ll discuss next) behind Ja Morant. Jerome demonstrated with the Cavaliers last year that he`s not just capable of contributing in high-leverage playoff games; he can outright take them over.
This situation mirrors the Sexton discussion, where Houston would potentially sacrifice another defender for a more offensive player. It makes one wonder who would decline a straightforward Jerome for Tari Eason trade.
9. Scotty Pippen Jr.
Scotty Pippen Jr. offers a profile similar to VanVleet, albeit at a slightly lesser level. He`s sturdy, defends effectively, and can shoot. He`s on an incredibly team-friendly contract, under $3 million for the next three seasons. He`s certainly worth a future first-round pick. Jae`Sean Tate`s salary could facilitate the trade, making this an intriguing option for the Rockets.
10. Anfernee Simons
Boston acquired Anfernee Simons on an expiring contract, in contrast to Holiday`s longer deal, suggesting they aren`t deeply committed to him beyond giving him an evaluative season. Simons is set to earn $27.6 million this season, a salary easily matched by VanVleet`s contract. Houston could add a draft pick to acquire a highly skilled offensive player without compromising any of their defensive assets.
