Could Trading for Both Derrick White and Kevin Durant Turn the Rockets into Champions?

The Blockbuster Trade Scenario
Let’s play armchair GM for a moment. The proposed trade: Shepherd, Landale, the 10th pick, and a 2029 Suns pick for Derrick White, followed by Green, Brooks, and a 2027 Suns pick for Kevin Durant. Then, re-sign Fred VanVleet to a 4-year, $100M deal. The resulting roster?
Starters: VanVleet, White, Jalen Green (or Amen Thompson), Durant, Alperen Sengun
Bench: Whitmore, Eason, Adams
On paper, it’s tantalizing. But as a data guy, I need to ask: Does this make mathematical sense?
The Data Behind the Dream
Derrick White’s Underrated Value
White’s defensive versatility (+2.3 Defensive RAPTOR) and efficient shooting (38% from three) make him a perfect backcourt partner for VanVleet. His ability to guard multiple positions would alleviate pressure on Houston’s young core.
The Durant Factor
Even at 35, Durant’s scoring efficiency (63% True Shooting) is elite. Pairing him with Sengun’s playmaking creates a pick-and-roll nightmare. But his $51M salary demands cap gymnastics—hence including Dillon Brooks’ expiring contract.
The Risks
- Age: Durant turns 36 in September; injury risk climbs.
- Depth: Losing Green and Brooks weakens perimeter defense.
- Future Assets: Surrendering two Suns picks could haunt Houston if Durant declines.
Verdict: Fun to Imagine, Risky to Execute
This trade turns Houston into instant contenders… if everyone stays healthy. But in the analytics world, if is a four-letter word. A more balanced approach might involve keeping one of Green or Brooks while still pursuing White.
What’s your take? Would you pull the trigger on this deal? Let’s debate in the comments.
TacticalBrevity
Hot comment (3)

راکٹس کا خواب یا حقیقت؟
اگر ڈیرک وائٹ اور کیون ڈورنٹ کو ٹیم میں شامل کر لیا جائے، تو راکٹس واقعی چیمپئن بن سکتے ہیں… لیکن صرف اگر:
- ڈورنٹ کی عمر 35 نہیں بلکہ 25 ہوتی
- انجریز کا کوئی وجود نہ ہوتا
- ہمارے پاس جادوئی طاقتیں ہوتیں!
ریاضی کے حساب سے
وائٹ کی 38% تھری پوائنٹ اور ڈورنٹ کی scoring efficiency دیکھ کر دل تو چاہتا ہے یہ ڈیل کر لی جائے۔ لیکن جب future picks اور عمر کا حساب لگاؤ تو لگتا ہے کہ “پرندے کے ہاتھ میں تھا، درخت پر نظر” والی بات ہو رہی ہے۔
آپ کا کیا خیال ہے؟ کیا یہ risk لینا چاہیے؟ نیچے تبصرہ ضرور کریں!

Championship dreams o pangarap lang?
Naku, parang fantasy basketball ang trade scenario na ‘to! Si Derrick White at KD sa Rockets? Mukhang maganda sa papel, pero tandaan natin ang sabi ng matatanda: “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” Baka maubos lang ang future picks natin!
Analytics vs. Age
38% three-point shooting ni White? Solid! Pero 36 years old na si KD next season. Parang si Lolo ko na nagba-basketball - magaling pa rin, pero baka biglang sumakit ang tuhod mid-game!
Mas okay pa siguro…
Hintayin muna natin lumaki ang mga batang players. Wag tayong masyadong excited, mga ka-Rockets fan! Ano sa tingin nyo - go na ba tayo dito o pass muna?
#PBAthoughts #NBAPanalo

ร็อคเก็ตส์จะกลายเป็นทีมแชมป์จริงหรือเปล่า?
ถ้าได้ทั้งเดอริก ไวท์และเควิน ดูแรนท์มาเล่นด้วยกัน นี่คือฝันร้ายของทีมอื่นเลยแหละ! แต่เรื่องอายุของดูแรนท์นี่…36 แล้วนะครับ ถ้าเจ็บอีกก็จบเห่กันไปตามระเบียบ
ข้อมูลสวยหรูแต่ความเสี่ยงก็สูง
ไวท์ป้องกันเก่ง (+2.3 Defensive RAPTOR) ส่วนดูแรนท์ยังยิงแม่น (63% True Shooting) แต่แลกมากับการเสียกรีนกับบรู๊คส์ไป แล้วdepthของทีมจะเหลืออะไรบ้าง?
สรุปแล้วคุ้มไหม?
สนุกที่จินตนาการครับ แต่ในโลกความจริงอาจต้องคิดใหม่ ถ้าอยากเห็นอนาคตทีมยาวๆ ก็เก็บกรีนไว้เถอะ!
พวกคุณคิดว่าไรครับ? เสี่ยงดีไหม? คอมเม้นต์มาโหน่ย!
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