Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets are gearing up for another run at an NBA title, but the team took a massive hit to its overall depth. Guard Fred VanVleet will now miss the season due to injury, and his absence leaves this team’s backcourt unit fairly thin.
However, the Rockets’ front office likely knows this and will be looking to bring in some additional pieces to add to the mix. Houston has dreams of a championship following a summer trade to land star forward Kevin Durant, giving them a legitimate star to run the show.
With the Western Conference absolutely loaded all over the place, the Rockets will need to get creative to replace VanVleet in the rotation. But how this team goes about this all remains a mystery, and will likely depend on how they perform to open the new season.
This is just a prediction, NOT a report!
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Houston Rockets Trade Proposal For CJ McCollum
The Rockets will search for a way to replace the production lost by VanVleet’s injury, and the team may want to get creative by looking around the NBA. This team has a potential title run on its mind, and this could force the hand of the front office to be extremely active around the upcoming trade deadline next spring.
One option for this team could be veteran guard CJ McCollum, who is currently with the Washington Wizards. McCollum may prefer to play for a team that is going after a title, and he could want out of Washington as the season goes on.
Adding a player like McCollum could give the Rockets new life, and he could serve the team very well in the absence of VanVleet. McCollum is the ultimate professional, and he could fit into the scheme of Houston very efficiently.
In 56 games with the New Orleans Pelicans last year, McCollum put up 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. The veteran guard shot 37.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line as well, showing some impressive ability from distance.
McCollum has averaged at least 20 points per game in every season of his career except his rookie year. Due to his ability to both run the offensive attack, while also being able to create his own shot, the Rockets’ offense could be taken to a new level.
The veteran could play off guys like Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant, giving this team a dynamic attack to use against opponents. And the best part about a potential deal for McCollum is that he is on an expiring contract, so the Rockets’ future salary cap space wouldn’t be taken up.
This could be a way for the Rockets to both get a player to help them go after a title this year, while also giving them some needed flexibility down the line. The Rockets have to do something, and adding McCollum could be one of the better options to replace VanVleet going forward.
