Offseason injuries always sting, but this one hurts big time. Fred VanVleet, who had just re-signed a two-year, $50M deal after declining his $44.9M team option, suffered a torn ACL yesterday, putting his season—and the team’s plans—on hold. Houston is already tight against the cap, with less than $1.3 million in wiggle room, making roster moves tricky with a fully loaded lineup. But there’s a silver lining: Bill Simmons has floated a bold trade idea that could turn this setback into a potential advantage, that could still keep them in the mix for a championship run.

NBA analyst Bill Simmons has floated a bold trade idea to help the Rockets address their point guard void. He suggests Houston could target Celtics guard Derrick White in exchange for key assets, including first-round picks. Simmons said, “Derrick White is the dramatic name. Give me some s— back for Derrick White. That Phoenix pick you have in 2027, that’s coming back. You’re giving me real stuff for that. I think Sheppard probably has to be in it too.” The Rockets hold nine future first-round picks, with the unprotected 2027 Phoenix pick being their most valuable draft asset. However, executing this trade would still require a “tough” conversation with Jayson Tatum.

Celtics star Tatum, who suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, is sidelined for the 2025-26 season as he focuses on recovery. Bill Simmons shared the delicate nature of what the conversation might turn out to be, saying, “It’s a tough phone call to Tatum. Heard heard the rehab’s going great and -to Jaylen, too. Heard the rehab’s going great. We’ve traded Derek White. It’s a bunch of assets that won’t help you guys until about three years from now.” While he is still in rehab, reports suggest Tatum might not be completely ruled out for the entire season, meaning if the Rockets want to take a calculated leap, there could still be an opportunity to act.

Last season, Derrick White appeared in 76 regular-season games for the Celtics, putting up solid numbers with 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.4% from three. On top of that, he made a defensive impact, finishing in the top 10 of Defensive Player of the Year voting. That’s why Simmons emphasized his value, saying, “he’s a top 50 player. This is a different caliber of dude.”

But Houston isn’t exactly in a position to move pieces freely either. Players signed this summer, like Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Jae’Sean Tate, and Josh Okogie, can’t be traded until December 15. On top of that, three vets—Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, and Aaron Holiday—have implied no-trade clauses, meaning any deal involving them would be blocked. With VanVleet’s own health uncertain, the Rockets are left with limited options to fill their point guard gap.

For now, the simplest hope lies with rookie Reed Sheppard. After averaging just 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 12.6 minutes per game last season, he’ll need a major leap, especially in efficiency, to make a real impact. Shooting 35% from the field and 33% from deep won’t cut it for a team aiming for a championship. Analysts like Zach Lowe have also weighed in, noting, “It’s a tough phone call to Tatum. On the other hand, Tatum has won an NBA title, several first team All-NBA appearances, and is slated to make $71.5 million in 2029-2030. So, I would hope that he would see the bigger picture.”

Tatum himself just signed a massive five-year, up-to-$315 million extension last season, locking him in Boston through 2029-30 with a player option and trade kicker. That makes any potential White trade an even trickier negotiation, as the Celtics balance protecting their superstar with managing assets.

Tatum eyes comeback despite achilles injury

Even with the NBA season just around the corner, Celtics fans shouldn’t fully write off Jayson Tatum yet. Despite suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in May during the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tatum hasn’t ruled out a potential return this season. “First thing, I haven’t said I’m not playing this season,” he told ESPN’s First Take. Social media updates and his appearance at Patriots practice in August without a walking boot suggest he’s pushing hard in rehab, determined to explore every chance to get back on the court. While the typical recovery timeline would keep most players sidelined for a full season, Tatum is taking it day by day, staying realistic but hopeful.

The road hasn’t been easy. Tatum admits the initial weeks were mentally crushing, from having to move back in with his mom to struggling with basic daily activities. “I might be done with basketball,” he told her early on, showing just how raw the emotional toll was. Since then, he’s steadily progressed through a carefully monitored rehab plan, including weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and non-opioid pain management, all aimed at rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence in his Achilles.

Through it all, family has been a pillar of motivation. His sons, Deuce and Dylan, keep him grounded, reminding him why he fights through the pain. “As a parent, you want your kids to be proud of you… I want them to see that Dad didn’t give up,” Tatum said, emphasizing the personal stakes in his comeback. The Celtics, meanwhile, prepare for the season leaning on Jaylen Brown as the primary option, but Tatum’s presence, even as a late-season addition, could dramatically alter their championship trajectory. He isn’t rushing, but he’s also not ruling anything out, showing the same competitiveness that made him a superstar—determined, focused, and refusing to let an Achilles injury define his season.