The Houston Rockets have lost starting point guard Fred VanVleet, potentially to a season-ending injury. The former All-Star suffered a torn ACL while training for the upcoming campaign, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
After adding Kevin Durant, among others, to a talented young core, Houston rightfully has championship aspirations. That could lead to another move for one of the most active teams this offseason.
A player who may be of interest to them is Anfernee Simons. The Boston Celtics' guard fits a similar on-court profile to VanVleet. Both are primary ballhandlers who are score-first guards. The former isn't as well-rounded as the player the Rockets just lost. He's not the same caliber of creator for others or as disruptive a defender. However, he could provide more scoring, better shooting from behind the arc, and more size at the position.
Exploring the feasibility of the Rockets trading for Simons
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype noted an expectation for Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson to receive more opportunities at point guard. That could benefit both them and the franchise in the long term.
Maybe it even clicks immediately, and Houston feels all set at the position. That possibility is a valid reason to believe it might be best for the Rockets to remain patient, rather than making a corresponding move quickly after losing VanVleet.
The growth of Thompson and Sheppard might also lead to the organization acquiring someone projected to have a lesser role than Simons would in Houston.
Even if the Rockets wanted to push to acquire the 26-year-old guard, they don't align as a good trade partner for the Celtics. Gaining flexibility is a priority for the latter. The former lacks expiring contracts that could complete a deal.
Odds are, they wouldn't find common ground on an individual or players that Houston would agree to part with to bring Simons on board. One side has a need. The other organization appears willing to trade a veteran starting guard, with the primary return being what it gets for shedding salary and lowering its tax bill. Unfortunately, despite that low asking price, the contracts the Rockets have on their books are ill-equipped to meet that demand.
It is also worth noting that while Houston and Boston don't mesh on a potential trade of this nature, what this situation highlights is how quickly the landscape can change.
The Rockets were all set at point guard. Their internal solutions may prove that they still are. However, until the league figures out how to turn off injuries, like one can in video games, the possibility exists that another franchise will find itself in a similar predicament. Perhaps that team is better suited to strike a deal with the Celtics for Simons.