Overview

• Shams Charania reported Fred VanVleet tore his ACL and is expected to miss most or all of 2025–26, reshaping Houston’s plans after trading for Kevin Durant.
• Analysts have highlighted Boston’s Derrick White as a marquee target, but Celtics executive Mike Zarren said nothing close to serious has materialized and insiders say the asking price would be enormous, comparable to the Mikal Bridges haul.
• Houston sits roughly $1.2 million under the first apron, several players can’t be moved until Dec. 15, and VanVleet’s one‑plus‑one deal gives him leverage that complicates trade mechanics.
• Speculative alternatives include Payton Pritchard in a swap for Reed Sheppard, a Jrue Holiday trade from Portland, and a Bleacher Report mock deal for Tyrese Maxey that wouldn’t be possible until mid‑December and would require major assets and approvals.
• Short term, Amen Thompson and Sheppard are expected to take on larger ball‑handling roles, as some analysts question Houston’s title odds and urge a measured approach until more avenues open.