Rockets could find a shocking roster upgrade from a familiar trade partner

The Houston Rockets, through their first 22 games of the season, have done an excellent job accomodating themselves to the loss of starting point guard Fred VanVleet, utilizing a combination of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to fill the gap that their veteran left behind.

Yet, if this team wants to contend for a championship this season, there could still be a move to be made, and, according to Derek Parker at Sports Illustrated, Collin Gillespie of the Phoenix Suns could prove to be a vital roster upgrade were he to become available.

Gillespie is having a breakout season, averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 42.6% from 3-point range through his first 25 games. Frankly, given the way they have played this season, the Suns have little reason as of now to trade one of their standout players.

Yet, the Rockets likely have a package that could entice them to do so, and it could ultimately make all the difference for their offensive versatility as the season wears on.

Collin Gillespie could represent the Rockets' ideal Aaron Holiday upgrade

Neither Thompson or Sheppard, in taking on new roles and increased on-ball touches, have been particularly disappointing. Through just over a quarter of the season, Thompson is averaging 5.2 assists (to 2.6 turnovers), and Sheppard is averaging 3.2 assists (to just 1.3 turnovers).

Yet, the reality remains that, for a team looking to rival the Oklahoma City Thunder in staunchness and efficiency, neither of these players are absolutely ideal options.

It is likely that a move for a star point guard, given the fact that it would necessitate moving VanVleet's contract, is off the table this season. Therefore, Gillespie could be the ideal trade target for Houston.

As surprisingly good as the Suns have been this season, they have started to show signs of slowing down with Devin Booker out, with their 49-point loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday highlighting just how far they truly are from contention.

The Rockets have multiple of the Phoenix's future first-round picks, and, if the Suns are looking to regain some draft capital and cash in on the play of their breakout guard, the Rockets could absolutely be willing to part with one of those picks.

Is Gillespie outright worth a first-round pick? Probably not.

However, for the Rockets, it's now or never. Holiday has been excellent in taking on a larger role in Tari Eason's absence, but his lack of reliable ball-handling and playmaking ability likely signifies that Houston could benefit immensely from the insertion of another reliable point guard into their rotation.

Gillespie would not start on the Rockets, nor does he usually start on the Suns. Yet, as a viable perimeter shooter and a low turnover playmaker, he could represent a piece that helps solidify Houston's rotation immediately. Even if it's ultimately not Gillespie, that is the type of trade target that the team should remain vigilant for this season.