Scoring a new trade proposal that sees the Rockets land De’Aaron Fox

Life changes quickly in the National Basketball Association. Houston Rockets fans should tune in.

It wasn’t that long ago that Rockets fans were clamoring for De’Aaron Fox. He was on the trade block and it was very popular to suggest that the Rockets make a move for him. For the sake of transparency – I was vocally on board with the idea.

Things are changing. Rockets are rolling. The Kings recently enjoyed an eye-popping 5-game winning streak in Fox’s absence. Rockets fans have subsequently cooled on the idea of ​​acquiring Fox.

Bleacher Report has not.

Rockets tied to Fox in new proposal

Here’s what Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggests the Rockets should.

Sacramento Kings Receiver: Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First Round Pick (Top 5 Protected), 2027 First Round Pick (PHX via HOU)

Houston Rockets receiver: De’Aaron Fox

It has been said that a good compromise leaves both parties unsatisfied. With that logic, Swartz may be on to something:

Both Rockets fans and Kings fans will protest this deal.

From a Kings perspective, an expiring deal, two unproven young players, one protected and one unprotected first-time player feels insufficient for Fox. That said, his value may have taken a hit. Trade rumors will, and the optics of a Kings winning streak immediately following his absence are suboptimal.

Should the Rockets take advantage of a buy-low window?

Rockets have to hang on to what they’ve got

This is far from the most outrageous proposal I’ve reviewed.

Still, the Rockets should learn a lesson from Jalen Green’s recent play. He turns a corner.

Why give up on Sheppard halfway through his rookie year?

Also, Green provides much of what the Rockets would be looking for in Fox. They are both lightning fast downhill guards who can create their own shots. Of course, they are not exactly analogous. Fox is a better playmaker and Green may be a better shooter. Still, there is some functional overlap here.

When I had spoken for Fox, it was under the assumption that he would replace Green. Replacing VanVleet with him feels different. He’s having a down year, but he still has superior gravity beyond the arc. Teams will happily dare lineups with Green, Fox, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun to shoot –

Again and again.

Sheppard’s shooting is meant to be the final solution to Houston’s shooting problem. Even if his size limitations prevent him from getting there, the Rockets should pair Green with an archetypal different guard.

In summary, Fox is no longer the guy for Houston. He doesn’t solve the problems that persist if Green has developed into a reliable lead guard. The Rockets need floor spacing – they have plenty of rim pressure and enough playmaking. Those are Fox’s strengths, so the Rockets would do better to develop Sheppard and hang on to their valuable draft capital.

Unless things change, of course.

Grade: C+