The Houston Rockets have signed Montrezl Harrell after drafting the forward in the second round earlier this summer. The Rockets could also be a potential destination for the Suns if they trade Markieff Morris, while Ty Lawson could start after his trade to the team.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Rockets have signed Harrell to a contract after taking him in the NBA draft out of Louisville. Marc J. Spears reports that the contract is for three-year deal and that this could be the last move the Rockets make this offseason. The team previously signed back KJ McDaniels and traded for Ty Lawson and Pro Basketball Talk reports that Daryl Morey may have to make some moves if he wants to add salary later in the season.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Rockets could be under the hard cap this season and that there is a chance that Chris Walker, Denzel Livingston, Remi Yusuf or Will Cummings will be waived. Harrell played well in the summer league and now he has the chance to be a depth option off the bench at forward for the Rockets.
The Rockets could be a potential trade destination for Markieff Morris if he has his way, as reports have the forward looking to get dealt out of Phoenix. According to John Gambadoro at Arizona Sports, Morris is not happy with his situation in Phoenix and if he had a preference, he would like to be traded to the Rockets or the Toronto Raptors. Morris has already been fined for publicly demanding a trade and as things stand now, Grantland.com reports that the Suns are not actively looking for a trade.
Morris has already been fined for publicly asking for a trade and the Suns so far have not shown signs they are looking to make a deal. Pro Basketball Talk writes that the Suns likely are not looking to deal Morris, as he is a talented power forward that is an integral part of their lineup. PBT writes that at this stage in the offseason and with Morris wanting a deal, it's unlikely the Suns will get an equal return and that could be a big hit if they make a move. Morris is also on an affordable contract ay four years and $32 million, so there is only so much that could come back to Phoenix in a deal.
Following the report about Houston and Toronto, Pro Basketball Talk speculated that if a deal did happen, players like Patrick Patterson or Terrance Jones would likely move in the trade. PBT writes that the teams "make sense on a number of levels," as they both could use a solid power forward and both teams have assets they can trade. Morris making a demand does not mean a trade will happen and the Suns could gamble on Morris coming around and staying with the team.
The Rockets signed back Patrick Beverley this offseason to a contract and the team also added Ty Lawson in a trade at point guard. Lawson could have the edge to start if he looks good in camp, as Beverly has had injury issues in the past and the team may not want to rely on him as the starter.