Fred VanVleet’s Injury May Open Slots to These Trade Targets

Fred VanVleet’s season-ending torn ACL has the Houston Rockets trying to find solutions only a few weeks earlier than the beginning of the 2025–26 NBA season. This will drive the Western crew to resolve whether or not to stay with their promising younger core or make a commerce to remain within the hunt within the congested Western Conference.

If that is the case, they may take into account these commerce targets who might change VanVleet within the beginning 5.

Rockets Face Urgent Backcourt Questions

VanVleet, signed to a two-year, $50 million extension over the summer season, was purported to be the management and stability Houston wanted to transition from rebuilding to rivalry. With him out now, extra of the burden falls on rising gamers corresponding to Amen Thompson, Aaron Holiday, and rookie Reed Sheppard. But with title hopes using on the addition of Kevin Durant in current days, Houston can not essentially afford a complete yr of experimentation on the guard place.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons spilled the 5 names that might fill the void in VanVleet’s place.

Possible Trade Targets to Replace VanVleet

Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans

A defensive firecracker who’s all about relentless effort, Alvarado may supply vitality and two-way minutes. In the ultimate yr of a $9 million contract, he made 36% of his threes final season amidst total scoring points. He’s accessible, however not more likely to be a difference-maker pick-up.

Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Hot off Sixth Man of the Year and an NBA championship win, Pritchard’s price is thru the roof. With three years remaining on his contract, Boston may resist buying and selling him whilst their roster shifts. Nevertheless, his scoring and postseason expertise can be an ideal match for Houston.

Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls

Off his career-best season (12.3 factors, 4.5 assists), Dosunmu’s mixture of dimension and scoring creates a authentic match. Chicago is likely to be going by means of a rebuild, however they may attempt to purchase him with draft property and depth items.

Dosunmu was talked about in a Josh Giddey commerce rumors report.

TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers

Sports Illustrated talked about that McConnell may be a viable choice. The constant veteran playmaker just lately signed an extension by means of 2029. While strong, he will not be on the block as Indiana will attempt to keep afloat for the close to future.

Scottie Pippen Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

As a discount, Pippen Jr. is likely to be a danger price taking. He averaged near 10 factors on 48% from the sphere within the common season and picked up his sport with 18.3 factors per outing within the playoffs. Houston may fear about his lack of expertise, however the potential is there.

The Rockets’ entrance workplace has a key resolution to make. They can depend on Thompson as a major lead guard, however VanVleet’s harm compounds the demand for veteran depth and shot-making. They have to act rapidly earlier than the NBA season 2025-26 kicks off, or else it’s going to jeopardize the entire beginning 5’s technique.