Overview

• Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL removes Houston’s primary ball-handler for much of the season, denting short‑term title hopes even after the Kevin Durant trade.
• Houston sits about $1.2 million below the first apron and has multiple newly signed players ineligible to be traded until Dec. 15, curbing near‑term acquisition options.
• Zach Lowe notes VanVleet’s one‑plus‑one deal confers de facto no‑trade leverage and argues the Rockets should consider an aggressive solution despite timing constraints.
• Internal stopgaps center on Amen Thompson and rookie Reed Sheppard, whose limited experience makes their ability to replicate VanVleet’s playmaking uncertain.
• Outside ideas remain speculative, including Bill Simmons’ proposal to target Boston’s Derrick White at a significant asset cost, with other lower‑cost guard options also floated.