NBA Rumors: Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Pistons, Trey Murphy III, Timberwolves

Rockets

The Rockets have quietly answered one of the bigger questions hanging over their season.

With Fred VanVleet sidelined since September due to a torn ACL, Houston has gone point guard by committee. So far, it’s working.

Amen Thompson, rookie Reed Sheppard and even point-center Alperen Sengun have all taken turns initiating the offense, a setup that has the Rockets sitting fourth in offensive efficiency, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

That success has come with a catch. Houston owns the league’s second-worst turnover rate, a reminder that while the system works, it isn’t without risk.

Still, the Rockets are winning while staying $1.25 million below the first apron, though they’re hard-capped and limited in how aggressively they can use their $12.5 million exception.

VanVleet’s $25 million player option looms as the biggest financial pivot point, while Houston also holds valuable future draft capital, including a 2027 first via Phoenix and a favorable 2029 selection tied to multiple teams.

Pistons

Detroit’s rise has changed the conversation entirely.

After sneaking into the playoffs last season, the Pistons now own the best record in the Eastern Conference, putting their front office at a crossroads. Do they take a swing for a superstar, or keep building around the current core with a complementary piece?

Marks notes that Detroit has the flexibility to do either. The Pistons sit $26.1 million below the first apron, control all of their future first-round picks and have Tobias Harris’ $26.6 million expiring contract as a major trade chip. A name like Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III has already been floated as a possible fit.

Whatever path they choose, Detroit has options, and leverage.

Timberwolves

Minnesota’s question is simpler, but no less important.

Are the Timberwolves comfortable with Anthony Edwards as their primary creator, or do they need a true starting point guard? Edwards continues to carry a massive offensive load, ranking in the 90th percentile in usage for the sixth straight season, but his assist-to-turnover numbers remain a concern.

The challenge is flexibility. Minnesota sits just $3.6 million below the second apron and doesn’t have a first-round pick available to trade. That severely limits its ability to take back salary or get creative at the deadline.

Mike Conley’s $10.7 million expiring deal is the most obvious movable piece, but unless something unexpected shakes loose, the Wolves may be stuck betting on Edwards to handle both scoring and playmaking for now.