The Houston Rockets cannot afford to take a step back in the tightly contested Western Conference.
Last year’s No. 2 seed in the West was primed for another great season, led by head coach Ime Udoka and guided by veteran forward Kevin Durant.
But right now, the team is missing a true floor general in the wake of point guard Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL.
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard might be able to fill in for the injured VanVleet, but do the Rockets want to entrust a championship-or-bust window to a 22-year-old and 21-year-old, respectively?
Houston should explore the trade market for a veteran option and at least have an insurance plan for the point guard position.
Rockets Trade Proposal Lands Wizards’ CJ McCollum
In a trade idea proposed by Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World, the Houston Rockets would acquire veteran point guard CJ McCollum from the Washington Wizards.
Houston Rockets receive: CJ McCollum
Washington Wizards receive: Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, 2028 first-round pick (HOU), 2031 first-round pick (HOU)
While parting ways with the point guard that helped establish a new culture after he gets injured is a brutal turn of events, the Rockets need that salary to match, and VanVleet becomes a trade chip.
“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,” wrote Batir.
“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 is almost a no-brainer fit for this Houston team, as he slides right in as the starting point guard on a savvy team with little to no holes.
His playoff experience from his years with the Portland Trail Blazers will come in handy, too, as he’ll be a mentor to the Rockets’ young guards.
The veteran averaged 21.1 points per game last year, to go along with 4.1 assists, and shot 37.3% from three-point range.
Would the Wizards Make this Deal?
The Washington Wizards are one of those teams that have just been in a state of perpetual rebuilding since the days of John Wall.
Every year, they get closer to their goal of becoming a contender with lottery picks and young, ascending players.
This trade keeps moving them in the right direction, as they pick up two future first-round picks, at least one of which will be from a Houston Rockets team that doesn’t feature Durant.
“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,” continued Batir.
“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.”
Both teams would be hard-pressed not to make this trade, as it moves both the Rockets and the Wizards closer to each of their goals.
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