On December 30th, Beijing time, the Lakers finally found their desired 3D player, Finney Smith, and completed a 5-for-2 trade, acquiring Finney Smith from the Nets to strengthen their frontcourt, which made the Rockets very envious. This season, although the Rockets are ranked high in the West, they still have some distance to go in their pursuit of the championship. On the other hand, the Kings have been losing games, with significant internal issues, and their core player, Fox, has been the subject of trade rumors. If Fox is willing to leave, the Rockets would be his most likely destination.
In response, American media outlet FW proposed a trade plan where the Rockets would acquire Fox, while the Kings would receive Sheppard, Dillon, Whitmore, the 2025 first-round pick, the 2027 first-round pick, the 2028 first-round pick, and the 2029 first-round pick, resulting in a 7-for-1 trade.
Honestly, this trade plan is quite crazy, almost like the Rockets going all-in to get Fox, which is equivalent to betting on the team's future. Currently, the Rockets lack a decisive role player. They also expose their weaknesses when facing strong competition, as seen in their game against the Timberwolves, where Shen Jing's free throws, Green's turnovers, and VanVleet's missed shots affected the team's development. If the Rockets want to become competitive players, Fox is undoubtedly the best choice. He is both offensive and defensive, and if the trade is completed, it would be a significant change for the Rockets.
After completing the trade, the Rockets will retain young players Amen Thompson and Ethan, which is currently acceptable for the team. The main lineup of the team will be Green, Shen Jing, VanVleet, Thompson Smith, Ethan, and Fox, along with other bench players. This rotation lineup has excellent offensive and defensive capabilities and transition speed, and Fox should be able to seamlessly integrate into the team.
This season, Fox averaged 26.2 points, 5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 31 games, demonstrating his comprehensive offensive and defensive abilities. He is eligible to sign a supermax contract worth $345 million over 5 years with the Kings, which validates his ability to perform under pressure in critical moments. Fox himself is already tired of not seeing a future with the Kings, and by joining the Rockets, he could immediately transform the team into a championship contender.
The Kings can choose to rebuild and follow the Thunder's path, winning big. Sheppard and Whitmore did not have many opportunities with the Rockets, but they can spread their wings with the Kings, averaging over 20 points without any problems. Additionally, the four first-round picks can also be exchanged for the future.