Goodbye Shepard? The Rockets and Raptors are planning a 2-for-1 deal, Barrett is arriving in Houston?

Yahoo Sports reporter Danielle Lerner listed the five most pressing problems the Rockets faced during the offseason. Among them, the contract renewal organization is connected by Van Vleet, the Rockets management holds his contract renewal contract worth $44.9 million next season. Head coach Uduka hopes he will come back, and general manager Rafael Stone also hopes he will come back. The only question is whether the two sides can reach an agreement on the renewal price code; the second question is whether Jaylen Green should be used as a bargaining chip for Durant or Antetokounmpo; then the stay and stay of free agents such as Adams, Tate, and Jeff Green; whether Jabbarri Jr. and Tari Ethan can get an early contract renewal and whether the first round of the 2025 draft given to the Rockets by the Suns can draw the top four pick (probability 17.3%), and even get the number one pick (probability 3.8%).

Recently, the US media "NBA Analysis Network" suggested that the Rockets management will pursue the Raptors' top scorer RJ Barrett in the offseason this summer. With Ingram's strong joining, Barrett's tactical status gradually declined. As it turns out, Barrett is not a cornerstone player to rely on. His performance is always modest. He looks powerless in the face of more intense physical confrontation, the opponent's double-team tactics, and more critical games. This is related to the role he plays. The Rockets can create more personal singles opportunities for Barrett, which will help him fully utilize his own advantages. The media provided a 2-for-1 trading offer to the Rockets and Raptors. If the negotiations go smoothly, Shepard will be sent to Toronto as a bargaining chip. The specific trading plan is: the Rockets send Reed Shepard + Jock Landal to get RJ Barrett from the Raptors.

Shepard's performance this season is disappointing. As a draft pick, he rarely has the opportunity to play. He averaged only 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in averaging 12.5 minutes of playing time this season. The three-pointer he relied on to make only 33.8% shooting percentage, and he can only make a appearance in garbage time in the playoffs. However, as the defender with the strongest shooting ability and the best team consciousness among the 2024 rookies, his future is favored by the general managers of most teams. It was just because the Rockets, who were strong and eager to enter the playoffs, had difficulty getting the chance to play, which made it difficult for Shepard to find his own game rhythm. The Raptors are a team that lacks stars. Scotty Barnes's playing style is similar to Siakam who left the trade, and is more suitable for the role of the second in command. Shepard is expected to grow into the Raptors' future number one star.

Barrett averaged 32.2 minutes per game this season, contributing 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists, and shooting percentage of 46.8%. However, the data does not match his performance on the court. The Raptors rank 11th in the Eastern Conference this season. Barrett's data is inevitably full of moisture. He is often criticized for not being able to fight tough battles, which is where he needs to continue to improve. However, it is undeniable that the Rockets are a team suitable for Barrett. He is good at using the opportunity of offense and defense to complete the attacking basket. After breaking into the small penalty area, he has a variety of ways to send the ball into the basket. Many players such as Shin Kyung, Jaylen Green, Amen Thompson, Van Vleet and others can share the defensive pressure for him, and Barrett is expected to show his best form and performance in Houston.

All views refer to authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and recommend fans first.