Rockets gifted unique opportunity to buy low on trade for promising young guard

So far this season, the Houston Rockets have acclimated nicely to life without veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, structuring their offense instead around the playmaking abilities of Alperen Sengun and the isolation scoring abilities of superstar Kevin Durant.

Yet, as the season wears on, there is still a chance that the team decides to make a move to bolster their waning backcourt depth, and according to NBA Insider Matt Moore, there could soon be a surprising young guard available who would help them achieve exactly that:

"Jaden Ivey was not extended. He’s injured, again. Daniss Jenkins is killing it on his two-way contract. Two personnel staff members I talked to asked questions about that this weekend."

Matt Moore, Fansided

The Detroit Pistons are in an interesting spot this season, having looked like one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference under the ascension of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Could Jaden Ivey, who they drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2022, become available given the enhanced play of the rest of their roster?

Jaden Ivey could be the buy-cheap solution that the Rockets need this season

One of the most surprising storylines across the NBA so far this season has been the ascension of Daniss Jenkins, who is currently signed to the Pistons on a two-way contract and is averaging 11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 44.8% from 3-point range.

Ivey, meanwhile, has yet to play a game this season after undergoing knee surgery, and, in his absence, Jenkins seems to have claimed the role of backup point guard wholeheartedly. According to Moore, there are already officials around the Pistons organization that are raising questions about Jenkins signing a full NBA contract. If he were to do so, where would Ivey fit into Detroit's plans?

To be sure, Ivey, when he's been healthy, has looked like the dynamic scorer and playmaker that the Pistons thought they were getting when they drafted him. Although he only played in 30 games last season, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and four assists while shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc.

As he approaches age 24, there's certainly a lot of room left between Ivey and his ceiling as a player.

Yet, Ivey will hit restricted free agency after this season, and, if Detroit decides that his contract does not fit into their vision for the team financially, could the Rockets take advantage of a low price on a dynamic young guard?

Ivey has started in the past, and, if he can remain healthy, he could certainly take over starting duties, at least in stretches, for a Houston team that, despite their success, could still benefit from an additional playmaker in their rotation.

While it remains to be seen whether the Pistons will ultimately be willing to trade Ivey, given the capital they have invested in him, the Rockets should be keeping a close eye on any developments as they seek out a way to bring this roster into championship contention.