The Houston Rockets have given themselves a real chance to be a championship contender next season. With the additions of Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Rockets added to an already stacked group, making themselves one of the deepest and most talented teams in the league.
The decision to trade for a soon-to-be 37-year-old superstar, however, comes with its risks. It has accelerated Houston's championship window, and they need to act accordingly. In order to maximize their chances of winning a title in the next few years, the Rockets need to add one more veteran difference-maker rather than hoping for internal development from some of their younger players.
The most obvious name there is Reed Sheppard. Houston has shown commitment to Sheppard by not bringing in another shot creator and shot maker in the backcourt despite an obvious need. Instead of hoping for the former third-overall pick to turn into an impactful offensive player, the Rockets need to find one on the trade market.
Rockets Must Trade for Coby White Before It's Too Late
Enter Coby White: the perfect fit for Houston's needs. The 25-year-old is entering the final season of his contract with the Chicago Bulls, making him acquirable for the right price. Making $12.8 million for the 2025-26 season, White doesn't create too many complications salary-wise as the Rockets can trade for him with Sheppard as the main asset going Chicago's way.
On the surface, White and Sheppard are very similar players: on-ball creators who can also play off the ball thanks to their ability to shoot, but have defensive limitations that put a cap on their upside.
The difference is that White has already proven that he can be a quality NBA starter, averaging 20.4 points per game last season on an impressive 60.1% True Shooting. Sheppard still has to prove that he can play at that level, and there is absolutely no guarantee that he will.
While it's certainly hard to part ways with a young and talented prospect that you drafted as high as the Rockets did with Sheppard, it's important to acknowledge the new reality with Durant in the mix. Houston needs to act like they are a contender right now, and that means that they can't wait around for Sheppard when they can trade for the actualized version of the same player type.