Rockets eye Payton Pritchard as VanVleet faces season-ending injury
The Houston Rockets find themselves in a unique position as the trade season officially kicks off. With many contracts becoming tradeable as of December 15, the landscape of the NBA is ripe for deals. However, Houston, currently sitting comfortably at 16-6, boasts a well-rounded rotation that has proven effective even in the face of injuries to key players like Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Fred VanVleet.
Navigating a Successful Season
Despite the setbacks, the Rockets have seen a number of players step up, allowing them to maintain both a potent offense and a staunch defense. Their performance thus far has placed them fourth in offensive efficiency and second defensively. This success may diminish the urgency to make significant roster changes, as the team has shown it can compete at a high level without immediate reinforcements.
However, the recent news of VanVleet’s torn ACL, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season, has prompted the Rockets to reassess their depth. With this injury, the need for additional support in the backcourt has become more pressing.
Targeting Payton Pritchard
In light of this development, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has suggested a potential trade that could see the Rockets acquire Payton Pritchard from the Boston Celtics. The proposed deal would send one of Houston’s promising forwards, along with Jae’Sean Tate and a future first-round pick, to Boston in exchange for the 27-year-old point guard.
Buckley noted, “While the Rockets have the resources needed to take a bigger swing than this, their two-way domination to date may have sapped any motivation for that level of move.” Pritchard, who brings valuable playoff experience and a championship ring, could serve as the ideal insurance for the Rockets’ backcourt. His career three-point shooting percentage of 39.3% and his current averages of 5.0 assists against just 1.2 turnovers make him an attractive option for Houston.
The Case for a Strategic Move
Pritchard is in the second year of a four-year, $30 million contract, representing a significant value given his current production. Averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and five assists per game, along with being named the Sixth Man of the Year for the 2024-25 season, he could be a steal for the Rockets.
Moreover, Eason’s impending restricted free agency adds another layer to the Rockets’ decision-making process. If Houston were to pursue Pritchard, it would not only bolster their rotation but also mitigate concerns about losing Eason in the summer, following failed extension talks.
Emerging Talent and Future Considerations
As the Rockets consider this move, they must also account for the rising talent of Reed Sheppard. The second-year guard has made significant strides, posting averages of 12.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals with efficient shooting splits of 48-44-71. Should the Rockets acquire Pritchard, it’s likely that the Celtics would move on from him quickly, given Sheppard’s development.
As the trade season unfolds, the Rockets are poised at a crossroads. While their current roster has yielded impressive results, the situation surrounding VanVleet may prompt strategic changes aimed at securing their championship aspirations. The potential addition of Payton Pritchard could be a key move in their quest for depth and continued success.
