The Houston Rockets made a major move toward title contention this summer when they traded for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, though Fred VanVleet’s injury may force them to seek reinforcements.
VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million deal to remain in Houston this offseason following the team’s second-place finish in the West last season. However, the veteran point guard suffered a torn ACL in late September and is now in jeopardy of missing the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Houston still has Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday to take on increased ball-handling duties with VanVleet on the shelf. Still, the Rockets could make a midseason trade if they feel that isn’t enough.
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Mock trade sends Fred VanVleet to Celtics
The Boston Celtics are potentially facing an entire season without Jayson Tatum as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles and could continue seeking cost-cutting trades. Brad Botkin of CBS Sports suggested the Rockets could target Anfernee Simons to help fill the void left by VanVleet’s injury.
“Boston took on Simons because he’s on an expiring deal whereas Holiday is due three more years, which is to say they probably aren’t tied all that tightly to him beyond giving him something of a free season as a tryout for inclusion in their future,” he wrote. “He’s set to make $27.6 million this season. VanVleet basically makes the money work. Houston can afford to throw in a draft pick and get a d— good offensive player without compromising any defensive parts.”
With VanVleet having re-signed this summer, the club isn’t able to trade him until Dec. 15. Still, this gives the Rockets time to see if Sheppard and Holiday can step up without the veteran point guard.
If Houston isn’t ready to elevate Sheppard’s role just yet, trading for Simons would provide an offensive spark and a capable three-point shooter to replace VanVleet. Simons is on an expiring contract, giving the Rockets a short-term option while allowing Sheppard another season to develop in a lesser role.
Before being traded to Boston, Simons spent seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, serving as a mainstay in their starting lineup over the last three. During that span, he averaged 21.0 points, 4.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting 37.4 percent from three-point range.
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