Rockets 76ers 6 for 2 new trading ideas, get urgently needed defenders to replace Fred VanVleet

According to F/W analyst Sidante Gupta. After an event-filled offseason, the Rockets built a strong squad that could compete for the NBA championship. Although they are ready for success, the team has encountered major setbacks. Starting point guard Van Vleet recently suffered an ACL injury. Given the severity of the injury, the defender is expected to miss most of the season. While his absence does not completely rule out the competition in Houston, it is indeed a barrier. The Rockets can solve this problem by elevating some young players to start rotation or finding a replacement. In response, according to B/R's Zach Barkley proposed a new trading idea proposal to the Philadelphia 76ers, which could better solve this problem.

Rockets get: Maxi, Gordon

76ers get: Shepard, Ethan, VanVleet, Capela, 2027 first-round draft pick from the Suns, 2029 first-round draft pick

If this potential deal can be reached, it will have a positive impact on both teams, and this article focuses on analyzing the impact on the Rockets.

This deal brings considerable advantages to the Rockets. By replacing VanVleet with Maxi, Houston became actually a younger roster, aligning with the overall composition of the team while adding an efficient player to the rotation. He won all-star recognition for himself in the 2023-24 season. The young defender, who is only 24 years old, has a huge upside. Judging from his ability to create scoring opportunities, his shooting and his overall offensive versatility, Maxi is indeed gifted. The defender made 52 games last season and then missed the rest of the season due to injury. But during that time, he averaged 26.3 points, 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 43.7% from the field and 33.7% from three-pointers.

For the Rockets, his joining can be viewed positively. With his skills, the 24-year-old made it to the starting lineup to fill VanVleet’s absence. Maxie also showed flexibility in different roles. The defender is just as comfortable with the ball and off and can pair well with a big guy like Shin Kyung and a scoring forward like Durant. Acquisition of Gordon Although his joining may not inspire as much excitement as Maxi's arrival, the defender has proven himself an outside threat. With 6.8 points and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 42.6% from the field and 40.9% from three, he can prove that he is a valuable asset to improve his substitute score in a pinch, and that he has played for the Rockets before has impressed fans

Overall, the deal has given the Rockets a major upgrade. While Barkley's approach and reasoning make sense, the deal certainly benefits both teams, especially the Rockets, who effectively become a more competitive team by acquiring Maxie. But the drawback is that Philadelphia is willing to transfer the young defender. At 24, he is young enough to partner with other young talents. Given the talent available to the 76ers, they may not be optimistic about such a move.

What do you think?