Rockets predicted to flip Fred VanVleet for $197M former No. 1 pick to pair with Kevin Durant originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Rockets still have time to make decisions regarding their roster, including whether they want to make another significant trade. Houston finds itself in an interesting position, trying to balance competing for a championship now while also building for the future.
This summer has been especially intriguing, with Kevin Durant's name already being brought up in trade discussions.
“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don't view him as an “untouchable” talent in trade talks on their roster. Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
Last season was a difficult one for Houston, as the team never fully found its rhythm. A major reason for that was injuries to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams.
“Interviews with team sources and those with knowledge of the team's operations reveal that the VanVleet injury, and the season-ending ankle injury to Steven Adams later on, impacted the team in ways that extended off the floor. Beyond the team's glaring lack of playmaking, their absences created a massive leadership void that Durant and the team struggled to fill,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon wrote.
A trade by the Rockets seems increasingly possible before the season begins. SI’s Eric Jay Santos believes Houston could make a blockbuster move by sending Jabari Smith Jr. and VanVleet to the New Orleans Pelicans for Zion Williamson.
“Though the dust of free agency has started to settle, there is still time for Houston’s front office to set off fireworks before training camp. In this hypothetical trade idea, the Rockets could deal Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Zion Williamson,” Santos wrote.
If Williamson can stay healthy, adding him alongside Durant could give Houston an incredibly talented offensive duo. The Rockets believe Reed Sheppard is ready to take on a larger role as the team's primary point guard, which could make VanVleet expendable in a potential blockbuster.
Williamson is currently on a $197 million contract with the Pelicans. Houston is looking for more consistency as it tries to take the next step in the Western Conference, and a healthy Williamson could provide another dynamic scoring option.
An offense featuring two high-flying athletes in Amen Thompson and Williamson could also be extremely difficult for opposing defenses to handle. Pairing that athleticism with Durant's scoring ability could give the Rockets one of the most dangerous offenses in the league if everything comes together.
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