The Houston Rockets are trying to gain speed in the Western Conference. After an exit in the conference finals, the Rockets are trying to acquire another star for the roster, but salary cap restraints are limiting them. The best way for Houston to make potential upgrades is via trades as they could easily offer up Trevor Ariza or Terrence Jones in a package. That was the team's mindset when they looked at Ricky Rubio in a deal.
According to Minnesota Timberwolves beat writer Darren Wolfson, the Rockets inquired with the Timberwolves about a trade for Rubio with the idea that they would use draft picks in the package. The deal did not happen and instead Houston selected Sam Dekker instead. The chances the Rubio trade gets revisited is slim to none. Without the idea of a draft pick to use immediately, the trade is not as enticing for the Timberwolves who finally have someone that appears to be a franchise point guard for the team. However, it does show that Houston is aware they need to trade in order to replace the potentially departing Patrick Beverley.
After drafting Dekker, finding a point guard is a priority for Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, Beverley has been getting contract numbers from other teams and is looking for a nice pay raise. While he stressed loyalty to the Rockets, the team might not be able to retain him. With a majority of the salary cap wrapped up in three players, Houston must trade to replace him.
Ty Lawson, Brandon Jennings and Eric Bledsoe have been tossed around in trade ideas. Brandon Knight will be a restricted free agent while Rajon Rondo, Reggie Jackson and Goran Dragic highlight the unrestricted free agent group. Houston could try and target an unrestricted free agent with a short-term offer like what Jimmy Butler is requesting in order to capitalize on the expanding salary caps in a year. Marc Stein from ESPN reports that Rondo will likely aim for something like that as he needs to rebuild his reputation. Lawson and Bledsoe will be difficult to acquire without draft picks, but having Ariza and Jones has bait could work out well in a package.
James Harden told the Chronicle that he wants another super star added to the team in order to compete with the likes of Golden State and a healthy Oklahoma City. That will be easier said than done for Houston unless players get sold on taking pay cuts.
