Grading a stunning trade proposal that has the Rockets landing a star guard

The Houston Rockets will feel a void in their backcourt with Fred VanVleet injured. Some analysts have them rushing to make a trade for a short-term fix.

Bleacher Report did it twice in one article. I graded their Reed Sheppard for Norman Powell proposal just yesterday. Spoiler alert: It didn't receive a grade you'd want to take home to your parents. The article's other deal is certainly more reasonable:

Whether the Rockets ought to do it is questionable.

Rockets go all-in on All-Star guard in new proposal

The All-Star guard in question is Tyrese Maxey. Zach Buckley has the Rockets paying a pretty penny for his services.

Here's a basic fact: This is Maxey's market value. Is it high? Yes. Is Maxey worth it?

In a vacuum, yes.

In 2024-25, Maxey averaged 26.3 points and 6.1 assists per game at just 24 years old. His 2.0 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) was mediocre, but the Sixers' entire season was a circus. The 3.1 mark he posted in 2023-24 is a more accurate reflection of his ability.

If you've watched Maxey enough, you know what he's capable of. He's blindingly quick, and with a 6'6" wingspan, he plays bigger than his listed 6'2" height suggests. His ability to get to the rim is elite, and he's a capable shooter and passer.

Am I talking myself into this?

Rockets must be selective with assets

This deal reflects Maxey's market value. The question is whether the Rockets ought to pay market value for Tyrese Maxey.

Parting with Tari Eason is particularly painful. Out of the outgoing players, that's the toughest pill to swallow. Maxey would be replacing Sheppard (and then some) in 2025-26, and he'd be replacing VanVleet long-term. The Rockets can justify sending out both in a trade for a star guard.

The Rockets signed Capela for a reason. They want to be able to deploy double big lineups at will. They'd lose this ability after that trade, but it'd be easy to argue that having a reliable lead guard is a higher priority.

Besides Eason, what stings here is sending out their two best draft assets. The Rockets have seemed intent on hanging onto these picks for an MVP-level superstar. As good as Maxey is, he doesn't clear that bar.

If the Sixers call with this offer, it should keep Rafael Stone up at night. It's a difficult call. He could justify doing it, or not doing it, but it's an undeniably fair offer.

Unlike some proposals Buckley has made recently.

Grade: B