Losing Fred VanVleet right before training camp has turned the Rockets’ lofty offseason business into a self-harming tool. Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, and their other acquisitions will still be expected to bolster the team. But VanVleet was the man who would tie it all together. Now, the Rockets will be forced to rely on youth where they need a veteran’s spirit.

There are a few touted replacements in Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. The problem is they don’t combine to form VanVleet’s experience. But that will have to suffice as the Houston Chronicle’s Danielle Lerner shut down the possibility of the Rockets signing a replacement for VanVleet, even though they have an open roster spot and the ability to claim a $12.5 million disabled player exception.

“Here’s the problem: They’re still hard-capped at the first apron… The Rockets only have $1.25 million in payroll space to work with right now. That means they can’t even afford to pay the minimum salary for a player with two years of NBA experience, worth $2.3 million this season,” the Houston Chronicle claims.

The only way to herald a trade is by shedding some of their current roster. There are restrictions in that option, too. Notably, due to most players signing free agent contracts, they can’t be traded until December. That leaves a few names without whom the Houston Rockets might not even come close to their championship aspirations.

“In a potential trade, the Rockets would be required to add value. To make the money work, such a deal would have to include one or more key rotation players like Durant, Alperen Şengün, Tari Eason or Sheppard. It seems like a lot to sacrifice for a franchise that has been incredibly intentional in how it invests and builds around young talent,” Lerner added.

And just like that, a dream for many died.

There probably won’t be a Russell Westbrook-Kevin Durant reunion

VanVleet’s injury crushed the Rockets. But those who love nostalgia immediately saw an opening. Russell Westbrook remains a free agent after his gritty stint with the Denver Nuggets. Many thought this would be the opportunity to finally see him and KD reunite for the first time since their OKC days.

But the more reality sets in, the more it seems unlikely to happen. The Rockets can’t afford a minimum contract without shaking out their current roster. So at this time, Brodie, no matter how well he fits the profile, likely won’t join Houston as his next team.

That leaves the Rockets with a few options to replace Fred VanVleet internally. Amen Thompson, their breakout wing, could slot in, allowing Ime Udoka to play a taller lineup, which emphasises toughness. Reed Sheppard is the closest to VanVleet, as a true playmaker with the ability to shoot the triple.

However, their major loss isn’t on the court. Since joining the Rockets, VanVleet has raised the young nucleus to be firm and competitive. Even signing Westbrook wouldn’t replicate such influence. But on a positive note, the team has a chance to actually embrace the culture the 2019 NBA champion sought to create.

Furthermore, Ime Udoka is tough as nails, too. Fred VanVleet’s absence will hurt the Rockets’ title hopes. But they will still consider themselves a force to be reckoned with primarily because of the team’s resilience and competitive acumen.