The Houston Rockets have already positioned themselves as one of the leading title contenders in the Western Conference. Besides the Oklahoma City Thunder, there isn't a team in the NBA that is clearly ahead of the Rockets in the pecking order. While the roster is as deep and talented as any team in the league, it still has a few weaknesses, most notably shooting.
One way the Rockets can close the gap between themselves and the Thunder is by adding another high-end rotation player with shot-creation and shot-making ability. Considering the lack of backcourt depth on the Rockets, this player should ideally be a guard to best complement the rest of the roster.
Enter Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics. The 27-year-old guard has emerged as a quality option for the Celtics over the last few years, playing a huge role in the 2024 title and winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2025. Despite being a starter-caliber point guard, he is stuck in a bench role in the crowded Celtics rotation. Now that Boston has pivoted ahead of a transition season during Jayson Tatum's injury absence, Pritchard could be acquirable via a trade by the Rockets.
A potential trade scenario could include Tari Eason, Jae'Sean Tate, and a first-round pick for Pritchard. While this may seem like a lot to give up for the Rockets, it's important to remember that Eason is on an expiring contract and will need a new deal. With the additions of Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela in the frontcourt, there isn't too much of a need for Eason, regardless of how good he has been as a Rocket. Cashing that chip and getting a player who fits the team's needs better would be a savvy move.
Pritchard is not only an excellent fit in Houston thanks to his ability to play both on and off the ball, but he also has one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league. He is under contract for three more seasons, making less than $8 million in average annual salary.
Fred VanVleet and Pritchard's on-court fit may raise some questions due to their size, but VanVleet's ability to defend bigger players and both guards' ability to shoot and play off the ball should erase any concerns. Pritchard would immediately become one of the best shooters on the Rockets, filling their most important need and bringing them closer to title contention.