Rockets Seek Guard Replacement After VanVleet ACL

After acquiring Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets entered 2025–26 as a Western Conference contender but were hit when starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that is expected to sideline him for the season. VanVleet’s absence removes Houston’s primary playmaker and leading assist man (5.6 APG in 2024–25), creating a glaring need for scoring and facilitation the current roster does not directly replace. Cap and roster constraints make adding a veteran via free agency difficult before Dec. 15, so the front office is weighing internal options — Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and additional playmaking from Alperen Sengun — against pursuing trades. Trade ideas being discussed include acquiring Malik Monk in packages centered on Dorian Finney‑Smith, Clint Capela and draft picks, or a proposed deal for Coby White that would send Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie and a 2029 first to Chicago; other veteran targets mentioned include Russell Westbrook and Immanuel Quickley. The Rockets appear poised to give their young guards more opportunity while relying on Durant and Sengun to initiate offense, but pressure will grow to add backcourt scoring and playmaking if internal solutions don’t hold up in a crowded Western Conference.