Tyler Herro

Fred VanVleet

Reed Sheppard

Draft compensation

Every mock trade in history has a moment where somebody gets angry. For this one, that moment arrives the second Reed Sheppard’s name appears on the screen.

The Rockets have spent the last year convincing themselves Reed could become a major piece of the future. At the same time, they seem hellbent on searching for more shooting and perimeter scoring. Sounds a lot like the Tyler special.

The 26-year-old averaged 20 points per game last season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s better perimeter scorers. More importantly for Houston, he doesn’t require the offense to be rebuilt around him. Herro can handle the ball, play off the ball, fly off screens, and punish defenses that load up on Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

From Miami’s perspective, the logic isn’t hard to find either. Herro is reportedly approaching a significant extension decision, and the Heat have spent the last year hovering in an uncomfortable middle ground. 

Reed gives them a young player with upside. VanVleet gives them a veteran contract they can either keep or move. The draft compensation helps justify moving one of the better scorers in the Eastern Conference.

Would Houston be taking a gamble? Of course, every trade carries risk. Trading a former No. 3 overall pick before his third season can be… dangerous.

Then again, championship windows have a way of speeding up timelines. The Rockets showed their hand when they picked up Kevin Durant. It’s clear they believe they’re ready to compete now. Tyler Herro fits that timeline a lot better than waiting three years to find out what Reed Sheppard becomes.

Pat Riley doesn’t call anything a rebuild, so those words won’t likely be a part of the phone call, but a placing Herro up for grabs certainly signals a return to the drawing board.