The Houston Rockets have needed a point guard since the season started. The team traded away Jeremy Lin in the offseason and failed to replace him with anyone, opting to rely on the versatile Patrick Beverley. That experiment has worked out relatively well for the Rockets, but Houston knows in order to truly be contenders in the stacked Western Conference, they might need more help and intend on getting active at the trade deadline.
According to ESPN.com, the Rockets are preparing to boost their trade negotiations for Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns. Dragic has been the target of a number of teams all season as he is working off an expiring contract in a crowded backfield. The Suns have long-term commitments to Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, meaning Dragic is free to walk away in free agency where a number of teams will offer him big money. The Rockets intend to beat them out for the point guard.
The Rockets let Dragic go in free agency in 2012, but have him as their top target to bring back. However, they would prefer to try and negotiate a trade for the point guard before other teams have a chance to offer a contract in 2015. The issue is just how much they will have to give up to get him. According to team sources, the Suns want nothing less than a first-round draft pick for Dragic. Some believe the Suns actually want to re-sign Dragic who is averaging 16.2 points and 4.1 assists this season and will only give him up at the exact right price. That first-round pick could be too much for the Rockets.
Dragic is considered to be the best available point guard this upcoming offseason. With Rajon Rondo traded to the Dallas Mavericks and expected to re-sign, Dragic is the best player and could ink upwards of a four-year, $80 million deal. A trade will be hard to come by meaning the Rockets need a backup plan just in case.
Houston has options if they need point guard help. The team could deal with the New York Knicks for Jose Calderon. They could target Norris Cole of the Miami Heat. Reggie Jackson of the Oklahoma City Thunder is reportedly available. The team has choices, they just must determine how much they are willing to spend and do they want a player that could potentially be for the long-term.
