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The Houston Rockets experienced their share of struggles last season, battling injuries throughout the year. This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one as the franchise determines the direction it wants to take moving forward.
The Rockets finished as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, a result that was somewhat underwhelming given expectations. Injuries to key veterans Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet took a toll on the team's development.
“Interviews with team sources and those with knowledge of the team's operations reveal that the VanVleet injury, and the season-ending ankle injury to Steven Adams later on, impacted the team in ways that extended off the floor. Beyond the team's glaring lack of playmaking, their absences created a massive leadership void that Durant and the team struggled to fill,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon wrote.
Now, there have been reports suggesting Kevin Durant is not considered untouchable in trade discussions.
“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don't view him as an “untouchable” talent in trade talks on their roster. Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
In a mock trade by Sports Illustrated’s Amir Motameni, the Rockets send Clint Capela and Fred VanVleet to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
“This trade would be a huge win for the Rockets. Houston's defense is already among the league's best, so Irving can focus primarily on what he does best, creating offense and knocking down tough perimeter shots. From Dallas' perspective, acquiring VanVleet provides a proven veteran leader who can organize the offense. His contract will also give the Mavericks additional financial flexibility, as it is expiring. The Mavericks also need more frontcourt depth, and including Clint Capela will provide that depth and a player who can help with their interior defense,” Motameni wrote.
Acquiring Irving would be a massive boost for Houston, giving the Rockets another elite offensive creator alongside Durant. The two also have strong chemistry from their time together with the Brooklyn Nets, where they came within one game of reaching the NBA Finals.
Irving is entering the second year of his $118 million contract with the Mavericks. With Durant on the roster, Houston knows its championship window is open right now. A move for Irving could give the Rockets their best opportunity to compete for an NBA title.
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