Rockets rumors: What Fred VanVleet’s triumphant injury return means for blockbuster trade plans

The Houston Rockets may not be looking for a blockbuster trade anytime soon, with Fred VanVleet’s successful return from a torn ACL giving the organization another reason to remain patient with its current roster. Houston has opened the 2026-27 season 5-0 ahead of Friday night’s NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks , and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported Thursday on Get Up that the Rockets do not appear eager to use their collection of draft assets on a major midseason move. “They’ve got a bunch of picks, and they’re not burning a hole in their pocket.