NBA analyst names perfect trade target to solidify the Rockets' title hopes

The Houston Rockets have been linked to a lot of star guards in trade rumors. Austin Reaves would make as much sense as any of them.

His numbers in 2025-26 are outlandish. Reaves is averaging 34.2 points and 10.0 assists per game. No, those numbers are not generated by NBA 2K.

Granted, those are from a 5-game sample size. They’re buoyed by a 51-point performance. Still, Reaves is undeniably legitimate.

Perhaps that’s why Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale is linking him to the Rockets.

Rockets could pursue Lakers star in contract year

Need a larger sample? In 2024-25, Reaves averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game in 73 contests. He has officially arrived.

Moreover, there’s reason to monitor his situation in Los Angeles. Reaves is 27. As LeBron James approaches retirement, the Lakers may prioritize acquiring assets to retool around Luka Doncic. Reaves is in a contract year, so if the Lakers don’t want to make a long-term commitment, he could be available.

On a related note, the Rockets have assets to spare. Ideally, they’d build something around Fred VanVleet and first-round draft capital if VanVleet would waive his implicit no-trade clause.

The mechanics of a deal could get complicated with the Rockets over the first apron. Let’s put that to the side and focus on basketball:

Reaves would be the perfect fit in Space City.

Austin Reaves is the perfect guard for the Rockets

Is Reaves a traditional point guard?

Before, the answer would have unequivocally been no. Now, it feels more complicated. If you’re not familiar with NBA statistics,10.0 assists per game is a lot.

It’s not the sole measure of a point guard, and it comes from a 5-game sample. So, we can’t conclude that Reaves is a traditional point guard, but we can conclude that he’s got sufficient playmaking ability to run point in 2025.

Besides, the Rockets don’t need a traditional point guard anyway.

What they need is a steady ball-handler in the backcourt. Reaves certainly meets that threshold. Whether he looks to score or pass first is immaterial. The Rockets have a primary playmaker:

He just happens to play the 5.

With Alperen Sengun in the middle, the Rockets don’t need a traditional floor general. Reaves’ immense scoring skill makes him a strong enough candidate. He’s also a solid defender who will thrive in Ime Udoka’s system.

Perhaps he’s too expensive. That’s for Rafael Stone to decide. Tari Eason would likely be included in any deal for Reaves, but if acquiring him keeps Houston from extending Amen Thompson, it’s a non-starter. If there is a way to include everyone, Reaves could make the Rockets a genuine title contender in 2025-26:

How many available guards can say that?