Grading a fresh trade proposal that has the Rockets landing De'Aaron Fox

Life changes quickly in the National Basketball Association. Houston Rockets fans ought to keep up.

It wasn't so long ago that Rockets fans were clamoring for De'Aaron Fox. He was on the trade block, and it was widely popular to suggest the Rockets make a move for him. For transparency's sake - I was vocally on board with the idea.

Things change. The Rockets are rolling. The Kings recently enjoyed a conspicuous 5-game winning streak in Fox's absence. Rockets fans have subsequentially cooled on the idea of acquiring Fox.

Bleacher Report has not.

Rockets linked to Fox in new proposal

Here's what Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz is suggesting the Rockets should do.

Sacramento Kings receive: Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First Round Pick (Top 5 Protected), 2027 First Round Pick (PHX via HOU)

Houston Rockets receive: De'Aaron Fox

It's been said that a good compromise leaves both parties unsatisfied. By that logic, Swartz may be onto something:

Rockets fans and Kings fans alike will protest this deal.

From a Kings' perspective, an expiring deal, two unproven young players, one protected and one unprotected first-rounder feels insufficient for Fox. That said, his value may have taken a hit. Trade rumors will do that, and the optics of a Kings winning streak immediately following his absence are suboptimal.

Should the Rockets exploit a buy-low window?

Rockets should hang onto what they have

This is far from the most outrageous proposal I've graded.

Still, the Rockets should be learning a lesson from Jalen Green's recent play. He's turning a corner.

Why give up on Sheppard halfway through his rookie year?

Moreover, Green provides much of what the Rockets would be seeking in Fox. They're both lightning-quick downhill guards who can create their own shots. Sure, they're not perfectly analogous. Fox is a better playmaker, and Green may be a better shooter. Still, there's some functional overlap here.

When I'd advocated for Fox, it was under the premise that he'd replace Green. Replacing VanVleet with him feels different. He's having a down year, but he's still got superior gravity beyond the arch. Teams will happily dare lineups featuring Green, Fox, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun to shoot -

Over and over again.

Sheppard's shooting is intended to be the eventual solution to Houston's shooting problem. Even if his size limitations keep him from getting there, the Rockets should pair Green with an archetypically different guard.

In summation, Fox is no longer the guy for Houston. He doesn't solve the problems that persist if Green has developed into a reliable lead guard. The Rockets need floor spacing - they have ample rim pressure and sufficient playmaking. Those are Fox's strengths, so the Rockets would do better to develop Sheppard and hang onto their valuable draft capital.

Unless things change, of course.

Grade: C+