Blockbuster trade conversations are resurfacing around the Houston Rockets following Fred VanVleet’s injury.
Without Fred VanVleet for the entire season, the Rockets lack a starting-caliber point guard capable of both ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities.
Amen Thompson represents an immediate solution, while Reed Sheppard or JD Davidson offer developmental options.
However, none provide the ideal replacement for VanVleet’s production and leadership.
Zach Lowe identifies Austin Reaves as potential target for the Rockets amid Lakers extension uncertainty
NBA analyst Zach Lowe proposed an intriguing trade possibility involving the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Austin Reaves.
The guard’s contract situation creates potential leverage for teams seeking backcourt upgrades.
Reaves will have a player option next summer, but extension talks haven’t materialized despite trade rumors throughout the offseason.
Lowe believes deteriorating circumstances could force a reevaluation of his Lakers future.
“What if things go very badly this season for Austin Reaves with the LA Lakers. What if it’s like ‘you asked me to come off the bench’ extension talks, they couldn’t really get started because you couldn’t offer me enough,” Lowe explained.
“Do you really value me enough in a Luka world, LeBron, is still here, is he retiring, is that good for my future in LA?” he continued.
Strong Lakers relationship complicates potential Rockets pursuit
Despite the speculative scenario, Lowe acknowledges significant obstacles to any potential trade.
The acquisition cost would likely include valuable draft picks, while Reaves maintains strong organizational ties.
Even with LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster, Reaves serves as the Lakers’ third star.
Last season, he ranked as their third-most productive player with 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.
“I don’t think this is going to happen, but it’s a name that popped into my head,” Lowe admitted. “The Lakers love Austin Reaves, Austin Reaves loves being a Laker. They love it there.”
However, the analyst noted that seemingly stable situations can unexpectedly unravel in major markets, particularly when contract negotiations stall or role expectations change.
“I’m just saying, we’ve seen more ‘hunky-dory’ situations go awry before in big markets,” Lowe concluded.
The Rockets face pressure to address their point guard crisis through trades rather than free agency due to salary cap constraints.
While the Reaves scenario remains unlikely, recent high-profile trades like Luka Doncic demonstrate that no player situation is entirely secure in today’s NBA landscape.
.webp?ssl=1 "The state of play at Mercedes after three rounds of the 2026 season")
