After an offseason marked by significant activity, the Houston Rockets built a formidable roster capable of contending for the NBA title. Although they were poised for success, the franchise has already been hit with a major setback.
The Rockets’ starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, sustained an ACL injury recently. Given the grave nature of the injury, the guard is expected to be sidelined for most of the season, if not all of it.
While VanVleet’s absence doesn’t fully rule Houston out of contention, it certainly acts as an obstacle. The Rockets could potentially address this issue by promoting some of their young players to the starting rotation or finding replacements.
Instead, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley presented a trade proposal with the Philadelphia 76ers that could better address this issue. Here’s the package:
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, 2027 first-round pick (PHX), 2029 first-round pick
Houston Gets Its Replacement For VanVleet
This trade presents a lot of merit for the Houston Rockets. By replacing VanVleet with Tyrese Maxey, Houston effectively becomes a younger roster, aligning with the team’s overall makeup, while adding a highly productive piece to the rotation.
Maxey has developed into a star-caliber player, even earning himself an All-Star nod in the 2023-24 season. At only 24, the young guard boasts tremendous upside. From his ability to create scoring opportunities, his shooting, and his overall offensive versatility, Maxey is truly gifted.
Last season, the guard appeared in 52 games before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. But in that period, he averaged 26.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, shooting 43.7% from the field and 33.7% from three.
For the Rockets, his addition could be viewed positively. By virtue of his skill set, the 24-year-old slots into the starting lineup, filling in for VanVleet’s absence. Maxey has also shown flexibility in different roles. Equally comfortable on and off the ball, the guard could pair well next to a playmaking big man such as Alperen Sengun and a scoring forward like Kevin Durant.
Along with Maxey, the Rockets would also be acquiring a former player in Eric Gordon. Although his addition may not spark as much excitement as Maxey’s arrival, the guard has proven himself as a perimeter threat.
With an average of 6.8 points and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 42.6% from the field and 40.9% from three, he could prove to be a valuable asset to boost bench scoring in a pinch.
Overall, this deal sees the Rockets acquire a significant upgrade. But looking at the pieces they must part with to complete this deal, Houston may also face some setbacks.
The 76ers Acquire Developmental Pieces
Buckley’s trade proposal has interesting implications for the Philadelphia 76ers. Given the team’s current structure, there are reports suggesting that Philadelphia could be headed for a rebuild.
In this regard, Buckley notes that by trading Maxey, the 76ers effectively acquire the pieces to build around the core of Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, along with a re-signed Quentin Grimes.
Philadelphia certainly does add some solid pieces in this deal. Apart from the veteran additions of Clint Capela and Fred VanVleet, the Sixers may show particular interest in adding Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason to the core.
Sheppard has shown impressive potential as a sharpshooter and overall offensive threat.
In his rookie year, the guard only averaged 4.4 points and 1.5 rebounds on 35.1% shooting and 33.8% from three. Sheppard’s limited playing time kept him from shining statistically. However, he displayed sparks of brilliance, such as a 25-point performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which could be indicative of talent worth cultivating.
Similarly, Eason has been viewed as a terrific two-way prospect. Along with elite athletic ability and defensive upside, the forward has developed his outside shooting and overall offensive contributions, making him a reliable asset in the rotation.
Last season, Eason earned himself a more relevant role with the Rockets, resulting in increased production. He averaged 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting 48.7% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.
As young players, both Sheppard and Eason could match the 76ers’ rebuild timeline. With the potential to grow together, Philadelphia could see merit in this acquisition.
While the rebuild does imply improvement in the future, the veterans in this deal could help Philadelphia remain competitive in the present scenario.
VanVleet may remain sidelined for the season, but he could be a solid contributor once he returns to the floor. Considering his average of 14.1 points and 5.6 assists per game, the 76ers could view him as a contributor off the bench.
Meanwhile, Capela’s addition may be more relevant in the present context. Philadelphia’s big man rotation is currently limited to Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and sophomore Adem Bona.
Given Embiid’s injury risk, Drummond’s flaws, and Bona’s lack of experience, having a solid big man like Capela could be beneficial.
Last season, Capela averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Along with being a solid interior presence, Capela is also a lob threat and an effective pick-and-roll center.
Having an experienced and reliable veteran center behind Embiid could be worthwhile for the Sixers, especially if their star can remain healthy this season.
Why This Trade Doesn’t Work
Buckley’s approach and rationale have merit. The trade can certainly be of benefit to both teams involved, especially the Rockets, who effectively become an even more competitive unit by acquiring Maxey.
But the flaw lies in Philadelphia’s willingness to move the young guard. At 24, he is young enough to build around and pair with other young talent. Given the talent available at the Sixers’ disposal, they may not view such a move favorably.
Additionally, trading Maxey becomes even more unlikely given the current circumstances involving Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes. With McCain sustaining another injury and the delays in Grimes’ signing, the 76ers may view holding onto Maxey as a necessity.
Buckley mentioned in the article that the trade would only be possible midway through December. This would see McCain potentially return to the lineup as well. But considering the overall implications of a rebuild, the 76ers may prioritize moving Paul George before any other pieces.
