The Indiana Pacers drafted Aaron Holiday with the 23rd overall pick in 2018, but the point guard may have his $4.9 million team option declined by the Rockets because of their loaded backcourt. Houston traded the tenth pick for Kevin Durant and quickly re-signed Fred VanVleet. They are all-in on contending, which leaves no playing time for Holiday.
The six-foot guard spent his first three seasons in Indiana where his [playing time and production were inconsistent](https://8points9seconds.com/2020/12/09/indiana-pacers-aaron-holidays-role/). Holiday finished with a negative value over replacement player (VORP) and a well-below league average win shares per 48 minutes. The Pacers flipped in as part of a package to get a first-round draft pick in 2021, and Holiday has played for four different teams in the last four seasons.
The Rockets have Reed Sheppard on the bench eager to get more run. With FVV and the 2024 third-overall pick at the point, Houston doesn’t have minutes for Holiday. Houston likely declines his option and signs a minimum third-string point guard to round out their roster.
Aaron Holiday is on thin ice with the Rockets
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Holiday averaged 6.1 points and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes per game over his two seasons in Houston. His playing time decreased in year two, but he still averaged nearly 13 minutes each night over 62 contests. It seems impossible to play him next to Sheppard in the second unit, so the young player stepping up means Holiday takes a backseat.
The Pacers have a need at point guard after Tyrese Haliburton’s [devastating NBA Finals injury](https://8points9seconds.com/tyrese-haliburton-heartbreak-temporary-setback-pacers-legendary-rise). Indiana’s star will likely miss the entire 2025-26 season. TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard are ready to step up, but Indiana could certainly use a third option to mix into their nightly rotation.
An Aaron Holiday reunion is not out of the question if the Rockets decline his team option. The 28-year-old will likely be on a minimum contract and should prioritize joining a contender. Indiana just made the NBA Finals and is loaded with talent. The two sides getting back together could be the most logical option.
The Rockets have a decision to make on the former Indiana Pacers first-round draft pick. Do they want to keep him as a steady third guard or does Houston opt to save the money? They are all-in on winning, but the Rockets may be able to find similar production on a cheaper contract in free agency. It won’t be an easy call.
The Indiana Pacers face a crucial offseason. They could make another deep playoff run but must add a point guard. Things will be more difficult without Haliburton, but this Pacers squad is special. If fans learned anything this postseason, it was to never count them out.