The Houston Rockets didn’t just make noise this past offseason-they made a statement. In one of the most complex trades in NBA history, a seven-team blockbuster brought Kevin Durant and Clint Capela to Houston.
And that was just the headline. The Rockets also added defensive-minded wings in Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie, while retaining key pieces like Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate, and Fred VanVleet.
On paper, this was a team gearing up for a deep playoff run-maybe more.
But then came the gut punch: Fred VanVleet tore his ACL just before the season tipped off.
For a team that was already thin at point guard, losing VanVleet was a major setback. The veteran floor general was expected to be the stabilizing force behind a revamped roster, and his absence leaves a hole that’s not easily patched.
While there’s some hope for a quicker-than-usual recovery-reports have floated a six-month timeline-ACL injuries often take closer to a year. Realistically, the Rockets can’t count on VanVleet contributing this season.
That puts Houston in a tough spot. They’ve built a roster ready to win now, and they can’t afford to let this season slip away. Which brings us to the trade market-and specifically, to Anfernee Simons.
The Proposed Trade:
- Rockets receive: Anfernee Simons
- Celtics receive: Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green, two second-round picks
Let’s unpack that.
Simons, currently with the Boston Celtics, has become one of the more intriguing names floating around in trade talks. He landed in Boston this past offseason as part of the Celtics’ effort to reset their financial picture, especially with Jayson Tatum expected to miss extended time. Initially, the move looked like a win-Simons is younger, cheaper, and a more dynamic scorer than Jrue Holiday, the guard he essentially replaced.
But the Celtics are playing the long game. Simons is on an expiring deal, and with their eyes set on another title run in 2026-27, Boston might prefer to flip Simons now for assets that align better with their future timeline.
That’s where VanVleet comes in. Despite the injury, he’s under contract beyond this season and brings championship pedigree.
Once healthy, he’d fit Boston’s perimeter-heavy offense and bring valuable playoff experience to a team that knows how close the margins can be in June.
From Houston’s side, this is about maximizing the Durant window. KD may still be putting up elite numbers, but at 37, there’s no telling how long he can keep it up. The Rockets have to go all-in now, and Simons could be the piece that helps them stay on track.
Why Simons Makes Sense for Houston
Even before VanVleet’s injury, the Rockets’ point guard situation wasn’t exactly airtight. Reed Sheppard has stepped up admirably, and Amen Thompson has shown flashes as a lead ball-handler, but neither is a proven playoff-caliber starter just yet.
Simons, at just 26, brings both upside and experience. He’s already posted multiple 20+ point-per-game seasons, and his offensive skill set is tailor-made for today’s NBA.
He can score at all three levels, but it’s his shooting from deep that really stands out. Houston’s offense, which now features Durant, Capela, and a mix of young talent and veteran depth, would benefit tremendously from Simons’ ability to stretch defenses. He’s not just a volume scorer-he’s efficient, creative, and capable of taking over stretches of a game.
Yes, his numbers have dipped in Boston. But that’s more about role than regression.
On a team loaded with talent, Simons has had to scale back. That’s not necessarily a bad thing-it’s shown he can adapt.
But in Houston, he’d likely be asked to do more, especially with VanVleet sidelined. And looking ahead, Simons could be a long-term foundational piece for the Rockets once Durant eventually steps away.
The Bigger Picture
This trade isn’t just about salvaging the season-it’s about building a bridge between now and the future. Durant gives Houston a legitimate shot at contending today. Simons gives them a potential star to carry the torch tomorrow.
VanVleet’s injury was a blow, no doubt. But it doesn’t have to derail the Rockets’ plans. With the right move-like bringing in Simons-Houston can stay competitive now while setting up for sustained success.
The Rockets made big moves this summer. They don’t want to look back in June wondering what could’ve been. If they believe Simons is the right fit, it’s time to make another bold play.