The Houston Rockets may dip into the free agent market again for depth after bringing back Patrick Beverley and Corey Brewer, as players like Josh Smith, Norris Cole, Andre Miller, Jameer Nelson, Darrell Arthur and Luis Scola remain on the market and some of those players could be fits over making a trade this summer.
The Rockets had Beverley as a main priority and since he was a restricted free agent, he was likely going to stay in Houston this season. According to Yahoo Sports, the team has agreed with Beverley on a four year deal worth $25 million. Heading into free agency Beverley was expected to be a top target and he received interest from the Mavericks, Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers on the market. Beverley played well while healthy last season and he could be the main starter for 2015-16 for the Rockets.
The team may look at free agents on the market like Andre Miller, Jameer Nelson or Norris Cole, as the Rockets may want more depth behind Beverley over Pablo Prigioni and Jason Terry from last season. Terry is not expected to return and he has been targeted by the Mavericks, while Prigioni is not a player who can log heavy minutes.
Check here for more on available free agents and the news on Aaron Brooks.
Josh Smith is a target to return, but he is also being looked at by other teams including the Clippers and the Knicks. According to Ramona Shelburne at ESPN, the Clippers are interested in Smith even though they do not have a lot of cap space to use. Smith also reportedly is a target for the Kings, as Jake Fischer on Twitter reports that the team has "continued a dialogue" with Smith on the market, but that "nothing is close" right now.
Norris Cole could be a fit with the Rockets, as he is a backup point guard option on the market after playing for the Cavaliers and Pelicans last season. Cole averaged seven points and three assists per game in 75 games played last year. The Rockets want someone reliable behind Beverley, as he has dealt with injuries in each of the last two seasons. Beverley is just 26 and could still develop more into an all-around point guard, but right now he has a strong offensive game and that could lead the Rockets to add a player with defensive skills.
Brewer has that on the wing and he comes in after reportedly signing a three year deal with the Rockets. According to Yahoo Sports, Brewer is set to sign a $24 million contract with the Rockets and it comes after interest from the Lakers, Kings and Knicks on the market. Jameer Nelson and Alexey Shved are also on the market and could be low level options to come in for depth behind Beverley. The Rockets met with LaMarcus Aldridge, but he ended up signing with the San Antonio Spurs.
Last season the Rockets made it far in the playoffs, but they could not beat the Golden State Warriors and now they will try and re-tool for another postseason run. James Harden has established himself as an MVP player alongside Dwight Howard and the Rockets should be very good again in the western conference.
According to Sheridan Hoops, Aaron Brooks would have been a solid option for the Rockets, as he previously was with the team and had success, averaging 19 points and five assists as a starter. UPDATE: Aaron Brooks is signing with the Bulls, breaking news, details to follow. Last season Brooks played in Chicago and was solid behind Derrick Rose and now he is back, so he is not an option to come in behind Beverley.
