The Houston Rockets are going to be hard-pressed to upgrade their point guard position by simply signing someone off the market. Most of the free agents preparing to be available are going to cost teams big contracts, including Patrick Beverley who is on the roster currently. That means if the Rockets feel Beverley is preparing to bolt, the only way they can really replace him is by negotiating a trade. The Denver Nuggets might be willing to help the team out.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Patrick Beverley is getting some big contracts thrown his way which might force Houston to let him go. With contracts to Josh Smith and Corey Brewer the priority in free agency, the Rockets will need to explore trade options to help at the position. The Denver Post has reported the Nuggets are currently shopping Ty Lawson for draft picks, something the Rockets could easily offer.
Bryson Jones of HouseofHouston.com makes the case for the Rockets to explore a trade option for Lawson. He suggests the Rockets could put together a trade package that includes the No.18 pick in the NBA Draft along with a player like Terrence Jones or Donatas Motiejunas and acquire the veteran point guard. The deal will fill the need of a point guard in Houston while not costing the Rockets a big contract like Beverley would.
The Rockets have shown they are one piece away from a championship so long as they re-sign Smith and Brewer. Both players are going to be looking for nice pay raises as well which will cost Houston some cash. According to the Chronicle, James Harden has advocated the return of Jason Terry. He would come cheaper than most other players, but his age will be a factor in the decision.
Could the Rockets convince a star point guard to come to the team on a short-term deal like Jimmy Butler is commanding? According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Butler wants a short-term offer sheet so he can capitalize on a pay raise when the salary caps increase in a season. The Rockets could attempt to convince someone like Rondo or Goran Dragic to do the same. The window is short for the Rockets to win a championship. Howard is exiting his prime while Harden is just entering it. The team needs to be in win-now mode according to Jones and getting a star point guard on a short-term contract might just do the trick in the competitive Western Conference.