Overview

• Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during an offseason workout, underwent surgery, and is expected to miss much of the season.
• Jake Fischer reports Houston will avoid reactionary moves and spend the next few months evaluating Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson in larger ballhandling roles ahead of the Dec. 15 trade window.
• The Rockets plan to funnel more creation through Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, with Sengun’s EuroBasket run featuring 6.6 assists per game and a triple‑double boosting confidence in his playmaking.
• Payroll restrictions leave roughly $1.25 million of room, limiting immediate veteran signings and making Dec. 15, when many players become trade‑eligible, a practical pivot point.
• Fischer also reports Houston is expected to secure a two‑year extension with Durant worth up to $122 million, while outside analysts have floated Jrue Holiday as a potential trade target.