In the middle of the season, the Houston Rockets made a move to acquire both Josh Smith and Corey Brewer. Smith had just been released from the Detroit Pistons and Brewer was lost in the Minnesota Timberwolves. The risk paid off and got the Rockets one of their best seasons in franchise history just missing the NBA Finals. However, now the task becomes keeping the roster intact as both Smith and Brewer along with Jason Terry and Patrick Beverley all become free agents.
According to the Houston Chronicle, everyone is looking to return to the Rockets while the team continues to eye marquee free agents. While Dwight Howard and James Harden are both signed to high-priced contracts, everyone will have to be willing to sacrifice some money if they are all returning in 2015. Smith made it clear that he wanted nothing more than to come back to Houston. After a roller coaster stint with the Pistons, he believes he found a home with the Rockets.
"I like the future if we can keep all the pieces together," Smith said, via the Houston Chronicle. "I like what the future holds for us. You never know in free agency what may occur. The city of Houston and this team has definitely embraced me for my individuality and the way I play the game. It would be great to do something special for the city and for this team."
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets could potentially target either Rajon Rondo or Kevin Love in free agency who will both command top-dollar deals. Smith will not come cheap either considering just how strong he played once getting to Houston. Wojnarowski writes that he believes the Rockets stand a great chance at landing Love because the forward likes head coach Kevin McHale. Love would be leaving one Big 3 for another. Do the Rockets really need Love on the roster or would re-signing Smith or bringing in Rondo be a better move?
"If you remember, he really liked Kevin McHale in Minnesota," Wojnarowski said, via Sheridan Hoops. "Would he fit potentially in Houston? It seems like every summer, they have the ability to go out and create a max slot, and they do this summer again. They know they have the option to do that. I think he'll be in play. He could stay where he is, but there's no question he's going to look long and hard at what his options are."
The Rockets have a lot of decisions to make considering several of their players have the option of heading elsewhere. Smith, Brewer and Beverley will all garner plenty of attention on the open market and the Rockets must decide if they will meet it.
