The chances the Houston Rockets get LaMarcus Aldridge are getting slimmer with each meeting the power forward takes. Aldridge continues his whirlwind free agency tour and while the Rockets have a plan in place should the forward decide to head to Houston, chances are slim it really happens. So where does this leave Houston who still wants one more star on the roster?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski or Yahoo Sports, the San Antonio Spurs still lead the way in the race for Aldridge, but Houston did their part to impress the power forward. Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times followed that up by reporting Aldridge was floored in a good way by Houston's analytics and on-court projections. General manager Daryl Morey did a good job of selling the franchise to the forward, but Houston is still a long shot for a deal to get done.
That makes Corey Brewer the potential backup plan. At the moment, Brewer is taking advantage of his free agency stint as interest heats up around him. The Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks have been linked to the star, but Houston is not letting him go that easily. According to Wojnarowski, the Rockets met with Brewer about a contract, but no progress has been made as of yet. With Aldridge expected to make a decision sooner rather than later, Brewer could be heavily pursued soon.
If Aldridge does not sign with the Rockets, the chances that Josh Smith returns are high. News around Smith has been quiet, but the shooter has increased his value following a successful stint with the Rockets after a roller coaster ride in Detroit. James Harden told the Houston Chronicle that he wants Smith back with the team considering the offense he brings on the court. That will all depend on the Aldridge decision.
Houston still needs to figure out their point guard position. Patrick Beverley looks ready to leave as offers come in for his services. If the Rockets get outbid, could a trade still be in the works? Following the contract to Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe is assumed to be available. The Chronicle notes that the only way the Rockets improve at the point guard position is by making a trade. Players like Trevor Ariza or Terrence Jones could be offered up for Bledsoe.
The Rockets could eye bringing back Jeremy Lin or chase Aaron Brooks or Reggie Jackson. While that might not be the most appealing move for the fans, the offensive firepower of both Smith and Harden would be enough to overcome any shortcomings of the point guard position.