The Houston Rockets have been interested in bringing back Jason Terry on a free agent contract, but the New Orleans Pelicans could swoop in and sign the guard and this comes as Norris Cole remains on the market in restricted free agency and teams like the Knicks and Sixers have reportedly shown interest.
Terry was reportedly close to signing back with the Rockets earlier in the offseason, but according to Mark Berman at Fox 26 in Houston, the point guard is considering other options. Berman reports that sources said that Terry found the Rockets offer to be "insufficient" and he currently has an offer from the New Orleans Pelicans for a contract. Pro Basketball Talk speculates that the Rockets likely offered Terry a minimum deal, as they could use an exception to sign him.
Terry had his Bird rights with the Rockets, but according to PBT, the team renounced those and now they can use a mid-level or minimum exception to sign Terry. Terry has been mentioned in connection with returning to Houston since early in free agency, but now there is a chance that may not happen. The Houston Chronicle reported that the team made an offer to Terry at the end of July and now the Pelicans are in the mix in mid-August.
The Rockets want to bring back Terry even after trading for Ty Lawson, as the team could use depth at the guard position. Patrick Beverley was re-signed this offseason, but he has dealt with numerous injuries in the past and he missed significant time last season as well. Marc Stein at ESPN reported that the Rockets would be interested in Terry despite Lawson, as the team had to give up guards Pablo Prigioni and Nick Johnson, which hurt the depth of the roster.
The Pelicans now are looking at Terry and while that may not affect what the team does with Norris Cole, so far the sides have not agreed to a deal. Cole is a restricted free agent and according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Pelicans star Anthony Davis said that he wants the team to re-sign Cole. Cole was acquired last season in a trade from Miami and he stepped up for New Orleans with Jrue Holiday dealing with an injury.
Cole is in a tough spot, as teams have shown interest, but they are unlikely to offer enough money where the Pelicans won't be able to match, according to the Advocate. Sam Amico at Fox Sports reported that the Knicks have looked into Cole, while the Lakers and Sixers have also had some interest this summer. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Knicks can only offer Cole a deal around $1 million, while the Sixers likely will not break the bank for Cole, who has a #3 million qualifying offer.
Cole comes in after averaging 7.6 points and 3.4 assists per game last season while playing for the Pelicans and the Heat. Cole could start ahead of Holiday for the Pelicans and if Terry is signed, he likely would be the backup behind those two players. Terry was clutch for the Rockets down the stretch and he finished the season with an average of seven points and 1.9 assists in 77 games.
