The Houston Rockets' front office has some last-minute scrambling on their to-do list with Fred VanVleet ruled out for all of the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL. This news is unfortunate, as fans all over the league wish him a speedy recovery; yet, there is still a way for the Rockets to put on a show in Kevin Durant's first season with the franchise.
Just in: Houston Rockets' Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, sources tell ESPN. A devastating, potentially season-ending loss for the Rockets with their starting point guard and leader. pic.twitter.com/Qhf0V58DwR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2025
Moreover, the Rockets may not want to make a trade, as this could cost them someone valuable whom they would prefer not to give up. Every player on the roster has a specific role, and this is how head coach Ime Udoka is making an impact all around, both on and off the court, or simultaneously in both areas.
This leaves the Rockets with the option to sign a replacement point guard in free agency. Guys like Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook are available, albeit Houston will be forced to trade in order to offload salary.
Options are available, but the Rockets would benefit most by signing Russell Westbrook
As they are approximately $1.2 million from the first apron hard cap, the Houston Rockets were likely calling other teams to shed salary immediately after hearing about Fred VanVleet's devastating, season-ending ACL injury.
Once a trade is made, Houston will have the choice to pick from two former LA Clippers, who are, coincidentally, still free agents. They will not have much time to get acclimated in H-Town, but this option is better than being completely reluctant on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard.
Ben Simmons would be a good fit, but Russell Westbrook would likely be able to win more games alongside his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, Kevin Durant. This reunion would have occurred ten seasons later, but it is certainly better late than never with VanVleet in recovery.
Adding Westbrook also gives their young backcourt a veteran leader to ask questions, particularly for Sheppard. He is still unproven, despite showing flashes last season, and to pay off as a former third overall pick, his best interest is to have the former MVP show him the many ways to be great.
That said, Westbrook has likely still been working out and remaining in shape for when the inevitable phone call arrives, but because it would be the Rockets, who have high expectations next season, he could finally win a ring, making this the opportunity he has been dreaming of since declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets.