Jeff Teague's Take: Why the Rockets Should Keep Reed Sheppard Over Chasing Kevin Durant
Jeff Teague’s Case Against Trading Reed Sheppard for Kevin Durant
The Podcast Hot Take
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague made waves on his Club 520 podcast by questioning the logic of the Houston Rockets trading rookie Reed Sheppard in a potential deal for Kevin Durant.
“I don’t know who Houston could even trade,” Teague said. “They just extended Steven Adams, and with young guys like Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Sheppard—I wouldn’t move Sheppard. He’s got a real future.”
As a data guy, I appreciate Teague’s skepticism. Let’s break it down.
The Sheppard Factor: Why He’s Untouchable
Reed Sheppard isn’t just another draft pick. The Kentucky product shot 52.1% from three in college—a stat that translates well to modern NBA spacing needs. His playmaking metrics (4.5 APG with a 3.1 AST/TO ratio) suggest he could evolve into a Kyle Lowry-type floor general.
Houston’s rebuild hinges on cost-controlled talent. Trading Sheppard for a 35-year-old Durant (even a legendary one) risks mortgaging their future for short-term relevance—a move that rarely pays off outside championship-ready rosters.
KD to Houston? The Math Doesn’t Add Up
Teague also dismissed rumors of Durant joining the Spurs (“KD won’t go to San Antonio”) or Phoenix chasing Spurs rookie Stephon Castle. But let’s focus on Houston:
- Age Gap: Durant turns 36 in September; Sheppard is 19. That’s a 17-year difference—essentially two NBA generations.
- Contract Timeline: Durant’s $51M salary in 2025-26 would gut Houston’s cap flexibility as Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün approach max extensions.
- Playoff Ceiling: Even with KD, are the Rockets beating Denver or Boston next year? Unlikely. Without him, they can still grow organically.
Verdict: Trust the Process (Again)
The Rockets spent years accumulating assets after James Harden’s exit. Swapping Sheppard—a potential cornerstone—for Durant feels like skipping steps. As Teague implied: sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.
What do you think? Should Houston chase win-now stars or stick with their youth movement? Drop your takes below.
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