Grading an intriguing trade proposal that gives Rockets much-needed guard upgrade

The Houston Rockets' backcourt production has left much to be desired in 2024-25.

You may not like it, but denying the facts is hard. Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green have been among the least productive guard tandems in the NBA. Somehow, the Rockets are 17-9 despite their cumulative struggles. This team's defensive wing rotation has carried a lot of water this season.

Is that a sustainable model for success? Many have posed that question. It's the main reason why the Rockets are frequently linked to star guards.

One star guard looks like he's beginning to shake loose. The Kings' De'Aaron Fox recently appeared on Draymond Green's podcast, fuelling the speculation that his eyes are wandering. Yardbarker just proposed a deal that has Fox landing on the Rockets.

Is it the right deal?

Rockets land Fox in fair proposal

Let's break down the details.

Houston Rockets receive: De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles

Sacramento Kings receive: Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHX)

Any trade needs to be graded by multiple metrics. It needs to be viewed in terms of market value, and it needs to be viewed in terms of how it impacts the team.

This deal comfortably passes the first sniff test. This is Fox's market value. Yardbarker doesn't have the Rockets giving up gratuitous assets to land Fox here. It's a reasonable proposal.

Moreover, Fox is a good target for the Rockets. He's having a career season, and he's a three-level shot creator who compliments Alperen Sengun reasonably well. So, a deal that has the Rockets landing a quality player with a needed skillset at a fair cost feels right.

That doesn't mean it's (quite) right for the Rockets.

Rockets should keep Smith Jr. if possible

Let's be clear - this is a hypothetical critique of a hypothetical trade. None of this is based on insider information.

Perhaps the Kings would insist on Smith Jr. They could make it known that they've got competitive offers on the docket, and they'd only send Fox to Houstin if they got him. In that event, Houston may have to send Smith Jr. out.

That said, this isn't the ideal trade for the Rockets. Ideally, Fox is replacing Jalen Green in the rotation. The Rockets could shift Dillon Brooks to the 2, insert Amen Thompson into the starting lineup, and have VanVleet pilot the second unit until his team option expires. They could decide whether to retain VanVleet or let him walk after.

So, ideally, Green would replace VanVleet here, and Cam Whitmore would replace Smith Jr. Sending out Sheppard is sensible if you're bringing in your point guard for the next half-decade or so.

By now, you're thinking sure, sending Whitmore is better than sending Smith Jr. That's why the Kings would prefer Smith Jr. That's a fair point, but luckily, the Rockets can afford to send out more than two first-round picks. If they made up the value difference between Smith Jr. and Whitmore with a pick or two, they could keep their elite wing rotation in tact and make a leap in the standings:

Most importantly, they'd upgrade their backcourt.

Grade: B