Just a week before NBA teams were set to report to training camp, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania broke the devastating news that Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet had suffered a potentially season-ending ACL tear, leaving the team without tits starting point guard for the foreseeable future.
To make matters worse, rules surrounding the salary cap prevent the Rockets from simply signing a free-agent replacement, putting the team in a complex situation that will more than likely result in a trade to fill VanVleet’s spot. Despite holding the sixth-highest odds to win the championship, Houston now faces a challenging decision.
Bill Simmons names Chicago Bulls guard as potential replacement
Fans across the league have been speculating about potential trades to address Houston’s sudden backcourt void. On a recent podcast published by The Ringer, NBA analysts Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe weighed in on the situation. “It wouldn't surprise me if they were just like 'No, we're not punting. We're not just doing this silver linings stuff, let's go get somebody,’” Lowe stated. Clearly, they believe the Rockets won’t be content just coasting through the regular season without making any meaningful moves.
Simmons followed the statement by naming five players the Rockets should target that could replace VanVleet: Jose Alvarado, Payton Pritchard, Scottie Pippen Jr., and T.J. McConnell
The other name? Ayo Dosunmu.
His reasoning was simple: “$7 million a year. Stopgap. They could probably patch some stuff together, maybe even throw some of their lesser picks and just grab him.” Dosunmu’s contract is extremely cost-effective relative to his production, and his expiring deal would allow Houston to bridge the gap while waiting for VanVleet’s return. And when you take a look at the court, he would fit seamlessly into the Rockets’ rotation.
Why Dosunmu is the best option
Out of the five names Simmons mentioned, Dosunmu is arguably the best option when considering age, production, contract, and attainability. Compared to the others, he ranks second in points, rebounds, and assists per game, is tied for third in steals, tied for first in blocks, second in field goal percentage, and the second youngest. Even more importantly, he is the only one who will be playing on an expiring contract in 2025–26, adding flexibility for Houston’s future by not being tied down to Dosunmu for the long term.
While he may not be the best player on the list (an honor that would probably go to Payton Pritchard), Dosunmu is arguably the most complete. His two-way skillset would allow him to contribute immediately on both ends of the floor, making him the perfect trade target in the unique scenario restricted by the salary cap.
Ultimately, the Rockets’ challenge will be navigating financial restrictions while acquiring a player who can step in and replicate VanVleet’s impact. If Houston decides to make the move for Dosunmu, he could stabilize the backcourt and help keep the team in championship contention while they await the return of their veteran floor general.