What should the Rockets do to replace VanVleet after his season-ending injury? US media suggests two major trade options: acquiring Maxey or Powell.

On September 24 Beijing time, VanVleet is projected to be out for the season with injury, and well-known US media B/R offered two trade plans for the Rockets, concentrating on bringing in Maxey from the 76ers and Powell from the Heat.

Trade Plan 1

The Rockets would send Shepard, Eason, VanVleet, Capela, a 2027 first-round pick (from the Suns), and a 2029 first-round pick (the best among Rockets, Mavericks, and Suns) to the 76ers in exchange for Maxey and Eric Gordon.

VanVleet’s injury doesn’t necessarily force the Rockets to immediately find a replacement; they could opt to wait. After all, the Rockets currently have internal options available—including Shepard—and can also assign more ball-handling duties to Amen Thompson, while still exploring the remaining free agent market for backcourt depth.

That said, VanVleet’s absence is a significant blow and could even trigger a decline for the team. If the situation looks bleak in the first few months, the Rockets might consider entering the trade market to find players who can salvage the season.

For example, Maxey from the 76ers. Although it would be extremely difficult to pry him away from Philadelphia, if the asset-rich Rockets succeed, it would be a huge gain. Maxey is a star in his own right, capable of playing both on and off the ball, making him a good fit alongside stars like Durant and Sengun. On paper, this would be a terrifying offensive lineup, and don’t forget, the Rockets ranked fifth in defense last season.

Since such a trade could only be completed as early as mid-December and requires VanVleet’s approval (due to his implicit no-trade clause), there is enough time for the 76ers to realize their current core might be failing. They may start considering the long-term future, especially without Maxey, depending on management’s views on McKane, Eichikum, and possibly re-signing Grimes.

Trade Plan 2

The Rockets would send Shepard, Adams, a 2026 second-round pick (from the Bulls), and a 2027 second-round pick (from the Grizzlies) to the Heat in exchange for Norman Powell.

Although Shepard’s best form would significantly boost the Rockets’ offense, no one knows what level he can actually perform at. As a rookie, he had limited playing time last season and did not perform well when given opportunities.

Therefore, despite VanVleet’s ACL tear potentially expanding Shepard’s role quickly, the Rockets might not want to place too much responsibility on him, especially with Durant’s contract expiring and him turning 37 before this season started.

This could push the Rockets to choose Powell, who in recent years has been an efficient off-ball finisher. If the Rockets decide to have Amen Thompson run point guard, Powell could comfortably play shooting guard. Over the past two seasons, Powell’s shooting percentages have been over 48% from the field, over 41% from three, and over 80% from the free-throw line. Last season, with the 50-win Clippers, he averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game.

As for the Heat, they may see Herro’s injury as a sign that this season is already lost and thus begin a long-term rebuild aiming for a future better than mediocrity. While it’s uncertain whether Shepard can fully realize his potential, he has plenty of room to grow, and the Heat have a strong track record developing young talent. Adams’ large contract might be difficult to accept, but if the Heat focus entirely on the future, they may view acquiring Shepard and draft picks as more beneficial than retaining Adams’ contract.

Do you think the Rockets should pursue trades to fill the gap left by VanVleet’s injury, or stick to developing internally, fully trusting Shepard and Amen’s organizational abilities? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.