The Houston Rockets wrapped up the Las Vegas Summer League with their fourth loss in four games as they fell 102-83 to the Portland Trail Blazers. This is understandable as Houston didn't have any players on guaranteed deals performing this summer since they shut down Reed Sheppard after two games. As a result, Rockets fans weren't able to see more of Sheppard, making it difficult to know whether he has taken enough strides to be a reliable part of the rotation next season.
After a slew of savvy offseason moves, the Rockets are going to start the 2025-26 season as a title contender. With the accelerated championship window, Houston doesn't have the luxury to give developmental minutes to Sheppard. If the former third-overall pick isn't ready to play significant minutes off the bench, the Rockets should be willing to upgrade that spot before it's too late.
Reed Sheppard Can Still Be Moved by the Rockets This Summer
In fact, that trade could still come before the summer is over. The Rockets don't have too many salaries that they can trade right now since they only acquired a lot of their key players this summer. In addition to newcomers Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, the Rockets also have to wait before they can trade the players they re-signed this offseason.
This leaves Sheppard and his $10.6 million salary for next season as the most tradeable player on the roster. If the Rockets see an opportunity to add a veteran difference maker, especially in the backcourt, they will likely have to package Sheppard and draft capital to acquire him.
Since they shut Sheppard down in the Summer League, the Rockets presumably see Sheppard as a part of their rotation to start the season. Things, however, can change quickly in the NBA. If a team shows interest in the former Kentucky star and the Rockets can turn their youngster into an immediate contributor, they would be wise to seriously consider it.