Rockets send VanVleet away? Lakers eye Wiggins?

Rockets head coach Uduka said in an interview: "We have identified four starting candidates: Amen Thompson, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Shen Jing. The fifth starting candidate has not yet been determined." Due to Durant's absence in the first preseason game, Udoka gave Shepard and Tali Eason the opportunity to start, but the former performed poorly and had the lowest plus-minus value in the team; the latter's contract renewal issue has not been resolved, and the Rockets management is trying to lower the price, so it is unlikely that he will enter the starting lineup. Rockets team reporter Chris A. White gave his own answer. He believes that Reed Shepard will be the Rockets' fifth starter. After DFS returns healthy, it will depend on the team's specific situation. This inevitably makes people worry about whether Shepard can take on the important task of starting. Fortunately, new aid JD Davidson showed good strength in the first preseason game. If the rookie's condition continues to be sluggish, he will take his place.

The biggest question facing the Rockets management is whether they should wait for VanVleet to return with full blood. His injury will not only affect the new season, but even affect the state of the next season. Zach Lowe, a well-known reporter, believes that a torn ligament is a catastrophic blow to a short player over 30 years old. Even if he recovers, VanVleet's ability will decline significantly. The Rockets should send him away as soon as possible to preserve their hopes of winning a championship. Ben Simmons and Westbrook have not signed yet. Even if they cannot completely replace VanVleet, they are expected to alleviate the Rockets' embarrassing situation of lacking organizers. Van Jordan's contract is only two years and has a total salary of US$50 million. If general manager Rafael Stone is willing to use the draft picks, some teams will be willing to take over.

Recently, the US media "BR" suggested that the Heat management should act as a receiver and introduce VanVleet. His tough playing style meets the requirements of coach Spoelstra, and Wiggins will become a bargaining chip in the transaction. The media provided a three-party trade offer to the Rockets, Lakers, and Heat. If the negotiations go well, Hachimura will be sent to Houston. The specific transaction plan is:

1. The Rockets sent Fred VanVleet + the 2027 Suns first-round pick (picks 1-4 protected) to get Rui Hachimura + Dalton Knecter;

2. The Lakers sent Rui Hachimura + Dao Don Knect + 2 future second-round picks get Andrew Wiggins;

3. The Heat sent Andrew Wiggins to get Fred VanVleet + 1 future first-round pick + 2 future second-round picks.

This is a deal that benefits three parties. The Rockets already have the strongest forward combination in the league, and Hachimura is even more powerful. As a versatile forward with superb shooting skills, he averaged 13.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 31.7 minutes per game, and his three-point shooting percentage was as high as 41.3%. The Rockets' lack of organizational connection can be made up for by Shen Jing, Durant, and Amen Thompson. They are all masters of passing. Hachimura's shortcoming is that he is strong offensively and weak defensively. Amen Thompson, Ethan, and Finney-Smith can all share the defensive pressure for him. The Lakers hope to increase the possibility of competing for the championship by introducing Wiggins. General manager Pelinka believes that James and Doncic can bring out the full potential of Zui. He can't see the hope of competing for the championship with the Heat, so he has returned to a healthy style of play, but no one doubts Wiggins' upper limit.

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