The Houston Rockets are set to enter the 2025-26 NBA season with high expectations following them finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season.
Of course, Houston also made some notable additions to their roster this offseason with the biggest being Kevin Durant, who they acquired from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and multiple draft picks to Phoenix.
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Houston also added Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie in free agency to upgrade their depth.
Houston Rockets center Alperen ŞengünAlonzo Adams-Imagn Images
With these moves, the Rockets are looking to make a championship run this season behind their core of Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, though they received some unfortunate news on Monday.
Rockets Dealt Devastating Fred VanVleet News
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5).© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Rockets starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that could keep him sidelined for the entire season.
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This is a massive blow for Houston as VanVleet is one of their key players and also a veteran leader for their young squad.
Mock Trade Lands Rockets T.J. McConnell as VanVleet Replacement
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9)© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Due to VanVleet’s injury, the Rockets could be searching for a new point guard to add to their roster via trade and one player they could target is Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell.
In a potential trade, the Rockets could send Clint Capela, Jae’Sean Tate and draft capital to the Pacers in exchange for McConnell.
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While moving on from Capela would be a tough decision for the Rockets, they have enough depth in their frontcourt to make the move, though this trade could not be finalized until December 15 due to his recently signed restriction.
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) reacts during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
For McConnell, he is known as one of the best backup point guards in the NBA, though the Rockets could elect to make him a starter if they were to deal for him.
Last season, McConnell averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 30.6% from three.
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Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots the ball while Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24)© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The 33-year-old guard is a solid scorer who excels on the defensive end and is also a great playmaker who could fit well alongside their core led by Durant and Sengun.
McConnell is also coming off an incredible playoff run where he was one of the Pacers’ top players during their run to the NBA Finals, something that could also intrigue Houston to make a move for him.
Despite this, the Pacers may not want to move their veteran guard this season, especially with Tyrese Haliburton set to miss the season due to a torn Achilles, but if they do decide to trade him, Houston could be a team to watch.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.