The Houston Rockets built a team last season made to compete. After late-season additions with Josh Smith and Corey Brewer, the Rockets made it to the Western Conference Finals, eventually losing to the Golden State Warriors. With several players approaching free agency, the Rockets could do some adjusting to the roster or simply try and bring everyone back hoping for different results. James Harden wants another super star on the team, but general manager Daryl Morey has different ideas.
After using the last two summers to be big-money spenders in free agency, the Rockets are not looking to make it a trend. With a majority of their salary cap space wrapped up in Harden, Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza, the Rockets are limited in what moves they can make this offseason. According to Morey the team plans to retain their stars and be quiet this summer.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Morey wants to stick to the plan to remain above the salary cap and keep the band back together. With five free agents, that is easier said than done. Josh Smith and Corey Brewer will want pay raises. Jason Terry will be looking for a contract. Patrick Beverley is getting a great deal of interest outside of Houston. The Rockets still own the rights to Beverley, but could get out-bid on an offer sheet.
The Rockets have been linked to a number of deals this offseason. The most unrealistic ones are contracts for either LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love simply because of cost. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Morey stated there was still a possibility one of those players is an option, but a trade would have to take place first which would involve either Terrence Jones or Ariza. Even then, the likelihood of it all coming together are slim.
The Rockets' biggest issue might be Beverley. According to Beverley via the Chronicle, he is getting a lot of nice numbers tossed his way as the Knicks and Mavericks remain options. Houston will have to be careful with how they handle the point guard because if they get outbid, Beverley is leaving. That would leave Houston very empty handed at the point guard spot and searching for answers. The team has been linked to trade deals for players like Ricky Rubio and Ty Lawson, but appear to prefer keeping Beverley around instead.
