Rockets, Greens, Suns, three-way trade: White goes to Houston to improve backcourt depth and consolidate championship status

According to US sports media F/W analyst Siddhant Gupta, the Rockets have achieved a record of 5 wins and 2 losses and seem to have gained a firm foothold this season. After the Rockets defeated the Grizzlies 124-109, they successfully extended their winning streak to 5 games. However, facing the Spurs with a big man like Wenban, the problem of insufficient lineup was still exposed. Although getting used to VanVleet's absence, as he is expected to miss the entire season with an ACL injury. However, even after some strong games, the Rockets could look to add some legitimate depth to their backcourt. Currently, the Rockets' starting backcourt consists of Amen and Okogie. While the results are impressive, concerns remain about the sustainability of this rotation. Given how competitive the Western Conference is, Houston may be looking to make some upgrades. In response, a three-team trade proposal was proposed to solidify the Rockets' status as the favorites to win the Western Conference title.

The Rockets receive: White, Hauser

The Celtics receive: VanVleet, Capela, Richards, a 2027 second-round pick from the Grizzlies, a 2031 second-round pick from the Hawks

The Suns receive: Ethan

This potential trade will have a positive impact on all three teams, and here we focus on the changes to the Rockets.

While several candidates have been listed as potential replacements for VanVleet, White could be the ideal replacement for a team like the Rockets. With White's outside shooting, playmaking ability and defensive upside, the addition of Houston could significantly improve their backcourt depth. This season, White averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, while shooting 32.1% from the field. On the defensive end, he has remained stable, averaging 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. While his offensive output may cause concern, considering he averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range last season, he has the potential to be a strong contributor.

He also brings veteran leadership and championship experience, something a young team like the Rockets can benefit from. Given his experience under Udoka, the Rockets could see a lot of value in his addition. At the same time, the addition of Hauser can become a reliable outside threat, adding another weapon to the Rockets' arsenal. He averaged 8.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting 36.1% overall and 38.5% from three-point range. With White potentially having a major impact on Houston's defensive rotations and outside shooting, the Rockets can establish themselves as a true contender. That could also make them the favorite in the West.

In fact, this kind of deal may not work. The Celtics will not give up this valuable member who was once the core of the team's championship competition. The Rockets may be willing to part with VanVleet and Capela, but Ethan's growth and role are obvious to all. In general, considering the direction of the Rockets' development, it seems that they do not need to make any major adjustments. They only need to fully stimulate the potential of young players and improve the team's chemical reaction; staying the same in response to changes may be the best choice for the Rockets at the moment. What do you think?