Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) dribbles against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Two Midseason Replacements for Rockets' Fred VanVleet

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The Houston Rockets don't have much flexibility at the moment, with Fred VanVleet likely out for the season. The 31-year-old tore his ACL prior to training camp, and the Rockets already have a thin guard room. Outside of VanVleet, Houston doesn't have an experienced point guard to run the offense.

Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are expected to split opportunities at the one in the meantime. The Rockets are strapped for cash, being hard-capped at the first apron, so they can't bring in a free agent like Russell Westbrook.

Houston is highly unlikely to make a trade before December 15, as the only movable contracts are Thompson, Sheppard, Kevin Durant and Tari Eason.

However, things could happen once that date is passed. If the Rockets see struggles at the point guard position up to that point, there are a few players who would be on the market leading up to the trade deadline:

Scotty Pippen Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

With Ja Morant (ankle) week-to-week, Pippen could get early opportunities off the bench. However, once the superstar point guard returns, he will likely see a major dip in playing time with Ty Jerome on the roster. There isn't enough room for Memphis to give him many minutes, which ultimately makes him great trade bait at the moment.

That doesn't mean the 24-year-old can't be a great contributor for a playoff team. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 21.3 minutes per game last season as the Grizzlies made the postseason.

Pippen fits the Rockets' system, which is why they could make a move for him midseason. He is an underrated perimeter defender and can facilitate. Houston wouldn't have to give up crazy assets to acquire him, either.

Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Acquiring Pritchard would take a lot more than a trade for Pippen. The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year is expected to continue to come off the bench with Derrick White and Anfernee Simons as the starters, but he will bear a lot more scoring responsibilities with Jayson Tatum injured and the amount of roster turnover.

Last season, the 27-year-old put up 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on impressive 47-41-85 shooting splits. He is more of a spark plug scorer, so the Rockets would realistically go after him if they desperately needed more offense.

Houston would have to give up a bit of a haul to get Pritchard, but it may be worth it down the road. If Sheppard struggles to develop in year two, the Rockets could get hasty given their title window with Kevin Durant.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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