If the Rockets change course, the Pistons should be ready to pounce

The Detroit Pistons had a quieter offseason than many expected, choosing to add role players instead of making a big splash. 

They are now set up for next year’s trade deadline, as they’ll be able to trade all of the salaries they just acquired and still have control over all of their future draft picks. 

The Houston Rockets are one team to monitor, as they are nearing decision time at several positions where they have veterans with younger players trying to supplant them. 

They also have several key players on some form of expiring contract, so the Rockets are a team that will likely be dealing at the deadline. They will have choices to make that could end up benefiting the Pistons. 

Reed Sheppard and Fred VanVleet in the Rockets backcourt 

Sheppard enjoyed a breakout season for the Rockets last year, mostly in a bench role, averaging over 13 points per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from 3-point range on high volume. 

He has one more team option on his deal after this one, so the Rockets don’t need to be in a hurry, but you do have to wonder how his minutes will be affected by the return of Fred VanVleet and the addition of Marcus Smart. 

Will the Rockets choose to go with the younger player, or will he lose time to the veterans? If the Rockets choose the former, it may make VanVleet, who is on an expiring deal next season, more available. 

Either player would potentially fill the role of second creator for the Pistons, so it will be interesting to see how this is playing out as the trade deadline approaches, as it doesn’t feel like both of these guys will be in Houston past next season. 

The endless Kevin Durant rumors with a splash of Jabari Smith 

Kevin Durant only has a player option left on his contract after next season, so we are going to hear his name plenty if he doesn’t reach an extension with Houston. 

The Rockets already have Jabari Smith and Tari Eason locked into relatively team-friendly deals that go through the 2030-31 season, so they may consider cashing in KD at the trade deadline and going with the young guys. 

The Rockets have tried to balance all of their younger talent with veterans like VanVleet, Durant and Steven Adams, but VanVleet and Adams missed most of last season and Durant wasn’t enough to elevate them out of the first round. 

The Pistons will be looking for shot creation and talent at power forward until they have enough of each, and these happen to be things the Rockets may have in abundance at the trade deadline next season. 

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