The Houston Rockets had to make a decision between trading for Rajon Rondo or acquiring Josh Smith who had been released from the Detroit Pistons. Ultimately the decision changed the landscape of the Rockets roster and impacted them for the better. Smith has proven to be worth the money as Houston battles the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round of the postseason. While the move impacted their current season, will it also play a role in free agency this summer?
The Rockets have a heavy pay roll. James Harden and Dwight Howard are signed to max deals that expire in 2018 and 2017 respectively. Smith on the other hand has a contract that expires in the summer considering the Rockets only signed him to a one-year deal. The Houston Chronicle confirms that there has been no discussions regarding the future of Smith with the Rockets, but right now he is proving to be a successful acquisition that could help the team for seasons to come.
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Rockets are loving the tandem that Howard and Smith have formed on the court with Harden. The injury to Patrick Beverley has forced Smith to play more point guard during games, an experiment that is working out well. The issue is the Rockets also have interest in Rajon Rondo who will also be a free agent this summer. Will Houston be forced to decide between the two?
According to ESPN.com, Rondo will still be seeking a max contract despite the way his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks ended. Smith will not come cheap either considering the success he is having in Houston. The Rockets cannot sign both players unless one accepts a lesser deal. Wojnarowski believes Smith has the upper hand, writing that toxic energy around Rondo will turn many teams away.
The Rockets can still get affordable point guard options. For one, a healthy Beverley could be the favored option. Set to be a restricted free agent, keeping Beverley around should be the goal for Houston. If the point guard heads elsewhere, players like Norris Cole or Reggie Jackson might be cheaper moves than Rondo or even Goran Dragic. The Rockets have a good thing going with Smith who has plenty of chemistry with the team's stars. Adding in Rondo could change the dynamic.
