Entering free agency, a point guard is a big need for the Houston Rockets. The team was forced to start Jason Terry for the postseason after Patrick Beverley went down with an injury and as teams prepare to throw money at the point guard's feet, the Rockets might be at risk of losing their starter in free agency. Houston is already in a tight salary cap situation entering free agency, but could players like Rajon Rondo still be a potential option on a short-term contract?
A majority of the Rockets' salary cap space is wrapped up in James Harden, Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza. Add in potential deals to Josh Smith and Corey Brewer and Houston has an issue adding other talent. However, could the Rockets capitalize on a big name by guaranteeing them a contract that is short on year, but offers a bigger pay out?
According to ESPN's MacMahon, Rondo's stock has dropped since his disaster stint with the Dallas Mavericks and the point guard will be hard pressed to find a max contract offer like he was predicted to make last offseason. This is where the Rockets could capitalize. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports has reported that Jimmy Butler is no longer seeking a max deal, but will instead search for a short-term offer sheet in order to make more money when the salary caps increase following the television deals for the NBA. Could Rondo follow the same path?
The Houston Chronicle reported that the only way the Rockets are able to add talent at the point guard position is by a trade. However, getting Rondo on a shorter contract might make things a little easier. The team would still need to make trades for the salary to really fit, but fans should not count Rondo out just yet. The Rockets were one of the teams that attempted to trade for the point guard at the mid-season deadline. He is good friends with Smith and would be a big asset to the team who could start him alongside Harden, Howard, Smith and Ariza.
Harden has made it clear that he would like for Terry to be re-signed, but if the Rockets can get Rondo instead then he is the better upgrade. Beverley is looking less and less likely to return. The point guard told the Chronicle that he is getting a lot of attention from teams and hearing big numbers from his agent. Not to mention Chandler Parsons has been calling him to join the Dallas Mavericks. If Beverley does bolt, the Rockets could set their sights on negotiating with Rondo.