The Houston Rockets offseason is beginning in disappointing fashion. The team had much higher expectations for this year and an exit in the first-round of the postseason was not part of the plan. After acquiring Dwight Howard in the offseason, Houston felt they were true contenders in the Western Conference, but instead met their downfall with the Portland Trail Blazers. Now eyeing another top free agent this offseason, could several players see themselves traded as a result?
Where does Houston go from here? The Rockets have announced that Kevin McHale will be returning as head coach, keeping stability in place. ESPN's Marc Stein reports the next big move will be in free agency as the team chases Carmelo Anthony. Outside of New York, it is thought that the Chicago Bulls or the Rockets have the best chance at landing the guard. However, if Houston is going to sign Anthony, key roster moves will have to be made in order to afford him.
This is where Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik come into play. Despite signing large three-year contracts, the Rockets continue to remain non-committal to their futures as each player has a year remaining on their deals. Stein reports that if Houston feels Anthony will sign in the offseason, they will do everything possible to trade both players. However, if Anthony is leaning another direction, both Lin and Asik will remain through their contracts.
Trading Lin and Asik is easier said than done. Houston missed big time not dealing them during the trading period in the regular season, now both players have bigger worth and thanks to gigantic contracts, no deal will come cheap. No team will be interested in picking up players on the brink of $15 million. Stein continues his report saying that most teams are telling the Rockets that if they want to trade either Lin or Asik, it will cost them Chandler Parsons. He is not someone Houston can afford to lose.
Much of the Rockets' future moves rests in the decision of Anthony. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Rockets are trying to determine of Anthony is worth going all in for. He is considered the best free agent available, but would require a lot of work in order to sign. The Rockets would essentially risk overhauling their roster thanks to Howard's max contract and two inflated deals they cannot get off the books. The Rockets need upgrades, but getting them is easier said than done.