3 players Houston Rockets should consider trading after Fred VanVleet ACL injury

The Houston Rockets have a big problem on their hands after point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL and could miss the 2025-26 NBA season. VanVleet is one of the team's top players following the offseason addition of Kevin Durant.

VanVleet reportedly picked up the injury during a mini-camp in the Bahamas. He will undergo surgery to repair his ACL this week.

His sudden injury leaves the Rockets with no choice but to find a veteran replacement for VanVleet. However, the team lacks the flexibility to sign a free agent who could fill that role and may have to trade one of their core pieces.

Here are three names the Rockets should consider trading away before training camp:

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3 players Houston Rockets should consider trading after Fred VanVleet ACL injury

#1 Tari Eason

While Tari Eason has been an impressive all-round player for the Rockets since joining the team in 2022, he could be used as an asset to snag another point guard who could replace VanVleet in the lineup.

Eason, who is 24 years old, could prove to be a valuable asset for any contender or rebuilding squad. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season.

#2 Reed Sheppard

Reed Sheppard did not pan out as a backup point guard for the Rockets last season. He played only 12.6 minutes per game, averaging 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

Nevertheless, Sheppard has the potential to make valuable contributions. His youth could also be a selling point if the Rockets decide to trade him for a veteran point guard who could replace VanVleet in the starting lineup.

A trade could also do wonders for Sheppard, potentially giving him more exposure on the court.

#3 Jabari Smith Jr.

The likelihood of Jabari Smith being traded is low, but he is still valuable enough to fetch a quality player in return.

The former No. 3 pick could see a diminished role with Kevin Durant on the roster next season and the Rockets could see him as more of a trade asset than a foundational piece for the future.

Trading Smith would allow the team to fully invest in its present situation with Durant and Alperen Sengun leading the charge.

About the author

Rob Andrew Lo is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with over three years of experience in the field. Rob studied journalism at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and his love for sports made this an obvious career to pursue.

Rob's favorite team is the Oklahoma City Thunder. He grew up watching Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant and his admiration for them left not only a lasting impression but solidified his fandom.

When not working, Rob loves to play basketball. If he isn't watching or writing about basketball, he can probably be found watching pro wrestling.

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Edited by Rob Andrew Lo