3 Rockets at risk of being traded this summer

1. Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet filled a major hole for the Rockets, as they lacked a floor general since shipping off James Harden in 2021. The Rockets tried their hand at shifting Kevin Porter Jr. into the point guard position, but that was never going to be a long-term experiment. 

Before that, they had John Wall as the captain of the ship, but the timing wasn't best for either party. The team drafted TyTy Washington, but quickly deemed him incapable of being a high-level contributor.

VanVleet became available, and newly-hired Rockets coach Ime Udoka coveted him, because of his veteranship and his defensive prowess, as he's one of the better defenders at his position in the league. 

Although VanVleet has put together his best season as a pro all-around, posting career-highs in assists, while also cutting down his turnovers, he's clearly not the Rockets' long-term answer at point guard. 

That's clearly Amen Thompson (whenever he develops a better handle). 

Culture-wise, VanVleet has been perfect, both on and off the court. We've heard Rockets star center Alperen Sengun constantly singing his praises.

However, VanVleet has just one more guaranteed year on his contract, as the third year in 2025-26 includes a team option. In this regard, VanVleet could be used as salary ballast, in the form of $40+ million.

For a Rockets team in pursuit of a star, VanVleet's salary could be the key to facilitating a deal.