The Houston Rockets have turned heads early in the 2025-26 preseason, starting 2-0 and looking every bit like a powerhouse in the West. With Kevin Durant now in the fold and young stars Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun showing major leaps, both trending toward All-Star consideration, the Rockets suddenly look deep, dynamic, and dangerous.
But there’s one glaring problem. Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a devastating ACL injury that could sideline him for the entire season, leaving Houston without a true floor general, without disrespect to the talented but young Reed Sheppard. While Thompson has made strides as a playmaker, the Rockets could use a steady veteran presence to balance their high-octane offense and keep the ship steady for a playoff push.
That’s where a ruthless but brilliant move could come into play, using VanVleet’s contract to land a proven scorer and leader like CJ McCollum. It’s bold. It’s ugly. But it might just be the move that pushes Houston from “promising” to “powerhouse.” So, how could the Rockets pull it off? Let’s dive in.
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: CJ McCollum
Washington Wizards Receive: Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, 2028 first-round pick (HOU), 2031 first-round pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Become On Par With The OKC Thunder
The Houston Rockets have made a statement this preseason. At 2-0 with Kevin Durant seamlessly integrated into the lineup, Houston suddenly looks like one of the West’s most complete teams. Amen Thompson has taken major strides as a two-way player and playmaker, Alperen Sengun continues to evolve into a nightly double-double machine, and the balance between established stars and young talent is starting to click. The early results are impossible to ignore.
By acquiring McCollum, comparisons to the Oklahoma City Thunder would now be completely justified. Both squads are built on athleticism, versatility, and homegrown development, but Houston’s blend of youth and veteran leadership gives them a unique edge. The Rockets have Durant’s elite scoring, Thompson’s creativity, and Sengun’s playmaking from the post, an offensive combination few teams can match. With Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. rounding out a defense-first supporting cast, Houston isn’t just competing with OKC, but they’re right there beside them.
McCollum (21.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.1 APG on 37.3% 3-PT FG last season) can handle the ball like a natural point guard, move the ball unselfishly, and is an above-average shooter. McCollum also has playoff experience from his years in Portland and will be hungry to prove himself after a few seasons without being on a contending team. He would be a perfect replacement for VanVleet in terms of being a primary playmaker in high-pressure situations and a player Ime Udoka can rely on in any game.
Washington Wizards Acquire Two First-Round Picks For Veteran
The Washington Wizards find themselves in a familiar position, but building for the future while trying to extract maximum value from veteran talent. CJ McCollum, though still productive and respected league-wide, doesn’t fit Washington’s rebuilding timeline. In this proposed deal, the Wizards send McCollum to Houston in exchange for Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, and two first-round picks in 2028 and 2031.
It’s a move that would solidify Washington’s commitment to a long-term rebuild while acquiring real assets for their next phase. Capela gives Washington a starting-caliber center who can stabilize the defense and mentor young bigs, while VanVleet, though injured, provides financial flexibility and a potential veteran leader for the locker room once healthy.
But the real prize here is the pair of future first-round picks. With Houston expected to contend over the next few years, those selections could gain significant value later in the decade if the Rockets’ window begins to close.
For the Wizards, this is about patience and long-term control. Offloading McCollum’s deal for picks and useful veterans accelerates the rebuild without compromising the team’s cap structure. It’s a practical, forward-thinking move for a franchise that’s embracing its youth and focusing on the future rather than short-term results.
A Ruthless But Strong Trade For The Rockets To Go All-In
For Houston, this deal would be the definition of ruthless efficiency by leveraging Fred VanVleet’s contract to land a proven scorer and leader in CJ McCollum. The financial match works, and the fit might be even better. McCollum brings the experience and composure of a 10-year veteran, capable of running the offense or playing off the ball next to Thompson and Durant.
His ability to create his own shot, space the floor, and stabilize late-game possessions fills the exact void VanVleet’s injury created. Pairing McCollum with Durant instantly raises Houston’s offensive IQ and versatility. With Sengun commanding double-teams in the post and Thompson pushing the pace, McCollum’s mid-range mastery and perimeter shooting would make the Rockets nearly impossible to guard.
His leadership and playoff experience, qualities that often go underappreciated, could also prove invaluable for a young locker room learning how to win. This would be an “all-in” move for Houston, signaling that the franchise is done waiting for the future; they’re ready to compete for championships now.
While it might cost them future first-round picks, the reward could be a deep playoff run and the legitimacy of being mentioned alongside the NBA’s elite. Ruthless? Yes. But for a team this close to contention, it might be the exact kind of ruthlessness the Rockets need.
