The Houston Rockets are among the favorites to win the title this upcoming season.
More news:Grizzlies' Ja Morant Has 3-Word Message on Season Opener Availability
The Rockets made a flurry of moves to emerge as title favorites, one of which included trading for superstar forward Kevin Durant. Durant was traded to the Rockets on the final day of the 2024-25 season and will now look to take Houston to the next level.
Houston was incredible last season, but they are expected to be even better this season. However, they will look to do so without their star guard, Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL. It’s a massive loss for the Rockets and their backcourt, which could hinder them from reaching their full potential.
Because they lost VanVleet, NBA insider from Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz, urged Houston to trade for $215 million All-Star point guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks.
“Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in late September, meaning the Houston Rockets could be in the market for a new starting point guard this season,” Swartz writes.
“Trae Young joining forces with Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and others would make the Rockets an incredible force, even in the West. Houston’s**fifth-ranked defense** should be able to absorb Young’s deficiencies on that end as well.
“Using VanVleet’s expiring $25 million contract to help match salaries, the Rockets could put together a deal for Young while keeping their core pieces in place.”
More news:Lakers Announce LeBron James Will Miss Start of Season With Major Injury
Young’s future with the Hawks is uncertain. If the Rockets are serious about upgrading their point guard position, they have the pieces to acquire Young, which could be a move to propel them to a title.
Young’s liability is due to his defense and height, but not being the No. 1 option is exactly what he may need in his career. Alongside Durant, Young could take his game and the Rockets to another level, as the No. 2 option.
All eyes will be on the Rockets to see what they do to upgrade their backcourt prior to the trade deadline.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over toNewsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.