Rockets Seek Playmaker: Simons Trade Explored

The Houston Rockets are experiencing a critical need for an on-ball playmaking guard, a deficiency amplified by recent losses. While Amen Thompson possesses the drive, his natural abilities don't align with the primary ball-handling role. The team's struggles are further compounded by Kevin Durant, who is increasingly tasked with playmaking responsibilities despite not being a strong passer, especially under defensive pressure.

A recent mock trade proposal has brought Boston's Anfernee Simons into the conversation as a potential solution. However, Simons is primarily a scoring guard rather than a traditional floor general. Despite this, he could address the Rockets' issues with exploiting 4-on-3 mismatches that arise when opposing teams double-team Durant.

Writer Bailey Bassett suggests that even with contributions from Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, acquiring another guard is crucial. Bassett points to Durant's age (37) as a catalyst for Houston to enter win-now mode. Simons, it's argued, could be a better long-term player than Fred VanVleet and provide immediate impact, either as a lead option post-Durant or a key role player during a championship push.