The Houston Rockets want to bring back free agent Jason Terry on a contract this offseason and he could be the backup for starters Patrick Beverley and Ty Lawson and this comes as the Rockets have added Chuck Hayes to help depth for Dwight Howard and James Harden coming into the season.
The Rockets made a deep playoff run and got to the west finals last season and this year the team is hoping to do even better. Terry played a key role down the stretch when Patrick Beverley was injured and now the Rockets are hoping to bring the veteran back. According to Calvin Watkins at ESPN, the Rockets are "in talks" to bring back Terry and all signs point to him returning to the Rockets over other teams in the league.
The Rockets traded for Lawson and re-signed Beverley this offseason, but they gave up some depth in the trade to get Lawson. According to Marc Stein at ESPN, the Rockets are "more likely" signing Terry after the trade than before, as they had to deal guards Nick Johnson and Pablo Prigioni to the Nuggets to get the deal done. Terry is 37, but he played well in stretches last season for the Rockets and he stepped up when Beverley went down with a wrist injury.
Mark Berman at Fox 26 first reported about Terry coming back and he reported that Terry said he is "close to a contract agreement" with Houston. That report was a couple weeks ago, so the sides clearly are taking time, but there is no rush with other teams not showing interest. Also, as Pro Basketball Talk points out, another mark in the favor of Houston is that the team has Terry's Bird Rights, which allows them to sign him over the salary cap. Terry likely will be on a deal at or near the minimum.
The Rockets also brought in forward Chuck Hayes on a deal and that gives the team some solid depth up front. Hayes was a target for the Rockets this offseason and he returns to his former team after a stint with the Toronto Raptors. Hayes averaged just eight minutes per game last season in 29 games and put up 1.7 points and 1.8 rebounds as his per game averages. Hayes is a reserve option, but he is solid defender and shot blocker and can help late in games.
Lawson is looking to play significant minutes this season and he is coming over from the Nuggets after dealing with off the court issues. According to Watkins at ESPN, Lawson is doing well and is making "progress" in the rehab program following a second DUI arrest this summer. Lawson was very productive last season, averaging 15 points and 9.6 assists per game and if he can handle things off the court, he could be a great addition for the Rockets.
Patrick Beverley will be the main starter after signing a four year deal, but he has dealt with injuries and that could open things up for Lawson. Beverley has not played in more than 56 games in any season in the NBA and that could force Houston to push Lawson more if Beverley can't stay on the court.
Check here for more on the Houston Rockets offseason moves and more on Terry.
