While several teams are getting active quickly in the NBA offseason with the NBA Draft approaching, the Houston Rockets are being forced to hold back. The Rockets have a majority of their salary cap space wrapped into three players which is forcing them to either consider trading one of those players or convince others to sign smaller contracts on the idea of winning a championship. Will they be forced into Plan B options if things get tight with the salary cap?
James Harden told the Houston Chronicle that he wants continuity with the roster which means bringing everyone back from last year's playoff team. That is easier said than done. Josh Smith and Corey Brewer are preparing to hit free agency along with Jason Terry while Patrick Beverley will be a restricted free agent with plenty of interest. The Rockets have roughly $6 million to work with in salary cap space meaning Harden will not get his wish and some players will need to accept pay cuts.
The Rockets have been linked to several trade deals entering the offseason since it is the only way they can truly improve the roster. The task will be to determine the future of Beverley. According to the Houston Chronicle, Beverley is getting a lot of looks on the free agent market with big money being tossed his way. However, the point guard has stated he has a lot of loyalty towards the Rockets. Could Houston sell the point guard on a short-term contract that will offer a bigger pay out when the salary cap increases? Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that is the path Jimmy Butler is aiming to take. Beverley could do the same and stay in Houston.
If the Rockets are forced into a trade deal, Trevor Ariza could be the odd man out. Houston needs another star. Dwight Howard, James Harden and even Josh Smith have proven they can contend, but they need one more option. Ariza might not be that player. According to Jorge Flores of the Examiner, Ariza could be involved in multiple deals. The idea of a sign-and-trade for LaMarcus Aldridge is an option while the Rockets could get involved in trade talk for Eric Bledsoe or Ty Lawson.
Harden believes the biggest need in Houston is an upgrade in the backcourt. Beverley was out for a majority of the playoffs and the Rockets were forced to play Jason Terry at the point guard position. Both players could come back healthy along with Smith and be productive if other trade deals get denied. Harden believes he can help recruit a star to Houston, but the question is whether or not the Rockets can afford them.
"That's one of the conversations me and Daryl are going to have (and) the coaches," Harden said, via the Houston Chronicle. "That's one of the pieces to add, but that's later conversations. We'll be all right. We're very confident in the group we have. This summer we have to work hard and be ready for next year."
