NBA regular season continues, the Rockets, who have suffered two consecutive defeats, have dropped to third place in the Western Conference, with teams like the Mavericks, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Spurs, Warriors, and Suns all in hot pursuit. Any misstep could see them exit the playoff race. Fred VanVleet has become one of the most disappointing players for the Rockets this season, earning $42.85 million but averaging only 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of just 37.9% and a three-point percentage of 32.7%. The Rockets management holds his team option for next summer, and it is expected that General Manager Rafael Stone will not continue to execute his final year's max contract. To ensure securing a playoff spot, GM Rafael Stone hopes to strengthen the team through the trade market, aiming to find an All-Star level player to further enhance the overall strength of the Rockets.
Recently, Jake Fischer, a reporter for American media outlet "Bleacher Report," suggested that the Rockets should target 76ers' All-Star small forward Paul George as their top priority for recruitment. The 76ers have had a poor record this season, currently ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference, and even if they manage to enter the playoffs, it is unlikely they will make significant progress. George's performance this season has been subpar, and his four-year, $212 million contract has already severely limited the 76ers' salary cap space. The journalist provided a 3-for-1 trade offer to both the Rockets and the 76ers, and if negotiations go smoothly, VanVleet and Tari Eason will be sent to Philadelphia as part of the deal. The specific trade plan is for the Rockets to send Fred VanVleet + Tari Eason + a 2025 first-round pick (from either the Suns, Thunder, or Rockets) to acquire Paul George from the 76ers.
Paul George, 34 years old, stands at 2.03 meters tall, with a wingspan of 2.11 meters and weighs 100 kilograms. He plays the small forward position and averages 31.6 minutes per game this season, contributing 15.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 40.5% and a three-point percentage of 31.5%. As one of the few players capable of contending with LeBron James in his prime, George's abilities are unquestionable. Even last season, when facing superstars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, his statistics were not inferior. However, after joining the 76ers, his state has shown a clear downward trend. Subjectively, this is due to not yet adapting to head coach Nick Nurse's tactical system and being affected by injuries; objectively, it is because Embiid has been out for a long time, and the 76ers have always struggled to assemble a complete starting lineup.
Overall, the cooperation between the 76ers and Paul George has not met expectations, so General Manager Morey may choose to trade him away. After the Rockets send away VanVleet, they will promote the fiery Amon Thompson early, pair him with Jalen Green in the backcourt, and George will replace Dillon as the starting small forward, with Dillon taking on the role of Eason to become a trump card in the bench lineup. Through this trade, the 76ers can obtain VanVleet's expiring contract to prepare for clearing up salary cap space. In addition, Eason is a player with extremely high development potential, averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.9 steals, and 1 block in 22.7 minutes per game this season, with a shooting percentage of 47.5%. He possesses a pair of hands that are not inferior to Leonard's, excelling in rebounding and seizing every half-chance, always full of passion and vitality on the court. There are many teams across the league interested in Tari Eason, and he has the potential to grow into a figure like Anunoby.
All opinions are based on authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and be the first to receive recommendations from fans.