Rockets Shut Down Trade Talks Once Reed Sheppard Was Available At No. 3
The Houston Rockets received considerable trade interest in the No. 3 pick with both the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies coveting Donovan Clingan. Sources tell Jake Fischer that the Rockets didn't provide much opportunity to listen to offers on the clock once it was clear Reed Sheppard would be available.
The Rockets had long been targeting Sheppard, who shot 52.1 percent on three-pointers. Sheppard gives the Rockets an elite shooter and playmaker who could be a perfect long-term pairing with Amen Thompson.
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 28.9 minutes in his freshman season at Kentucky. Sheppard was not expected to be a first round pick in 2024, let alone No. 3 overall, when he began his college career a year ago as his meteoric rise culminates on draft night.