**Current Roster:** (12/15 roster spots filled)
* PG: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson
* SG: Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore
* SF: Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, Jae’Sean Tate\*
* PF: Jabari Smith, Jeff Green\*
* C: Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Jock Landale\*
\*Team Option/Non-Guaranteed contracts
**Upcoming Free Agents:**
* Unrestricted: Aaron Holiday(G), Reggie Bullock (G/F), Boban Marjanovic (C)
* Non-Guaranteed Contracts: Jock Landale (C)
* Team Options: Jae’Sean Tate (G/F), Jeff Green (F)
* Restricted: Nate Hinton (G/F), Jermaine Samuels (F), Nate Williams (F)
**Offseason Finances:** “Houston will enter the offseason with $121.7 million in guaranteed salary but is over the $141 million cap because of $25 million in non-guaranteed contracts (Tate, Jeff Green and [Jock Landale](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3146557/jock-landale))…. The Rockets will have access to the $12.9 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and $4.7 million biannual exception to use in free agency or acquire a player in a trade. The Rockets also have a $4.5 million trade exception.” (Source: [Bobby Marks at ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/39854732/nba-offseason-2024-draft-trade-free-agency-guides-every-eliminated-nba-team))
**Handling the Non-Guaranteed Contracts:** Considering the Rockets don’t gain significant cap space by waiving Jeff, Tate, and Jock I expect them all to be retained for next year. They provide valuable depth, and at the very least can be used to match salaries in any potential deadline day deals. Retaining all three brings the total number of roster spots up to 12 out of a possible 15.
**Team Needs:** These needs are more subjective and based upon retaining the players mentioned above. These team needs could also be filled through the draft, but for now I’ll just focus on potential free agents.
* **Perimeter Shooting:** 3 point shooting was one of this team’s biggest weaknesses last year and fixing that should be a priority this off-season. IMO, adding someone who could shoot off movement (aka pin downs and flare screens) would add another dimension to our offense that would be really useful. At minimum though, we need more great spot-up shooters.
* **Third String PG:** I still consider Amen our point guard of the future, but he played most of last season as a wing and him being our only real PG behind FVV should be a concern. A 3rd string player who could come in and play back-up in the event of an injury to FVV or Amen is a big team need.
**Free Agency Targets:** Based on the needs above, I’ve provided a list of players who we could potentially use our $12.9 million non-taxpayer MLE and $4.7 million biannual exception on in free agency. Again, the team needs mentioned above could also be filled through the draft, but for now I’m just focusing on potential free agents signings.
* **Luke Kennard (SG, Team Option):** If Memphis rejects Luke’s team option, the Rockets should pounce as he is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. Over the past four years he has hit 46% of his 3s on high volume, with many being quick release shots off screens. If available, he’s my favorite option to go after. [Watch how he destroyed us with 10 threes just last year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RRj-iMF9P0&ab_channel=HouseofHighlights) .
* **Buddy Hield (SG, UFA/Bird):** Buddy took a step back as a player this year, but he’s still one of the premier shooters in the NBA, shooting 39% from 3. The Sixers have bird rights, so they can re-sign him while going over the cap which is probably something they’ll be interested in doing. If Philly doesn’t re-sign him though, he should definitely be a target for the Rockets if he’s willing to accept the MLE. I think this signing is unlikely as there are a lot of “if”s involved for it to happen.
* **Malik Beasley (SG, UFA/Non-Bird):** Beasley was a knockdown shooter this past year hitting 41% of his threes and would help improve our spacing immensely. His defense leaves a bit to be desired though, but that’s the trade-off when going bargain-bin hunting with the MLE. A solid option nevertheless, and probably the guy easiest to obtain considering he’s a UFA without Bird rights.
* **Gary Harris (SG, UFA/Bird):** Orlando also needs shooting, so they probably retain him with bird rights, but if available Gary Harris is another solid shooter who has hit 39% of his 3s over the past 4 years while also providing solid defense.
* **Doug McDermott (SF, UFA/Bird):** Another knockdown shooter who is capable of quick release shots coming off screens. That’s a very useful skillset in today’s NBA, but he’s an absolutely horrible defender and I can’t imagine Ime giving him a ton of leeway to stay on the court. A potential option, but not one of my favorites.
* **Aaron Holiday (PG, UFA/Non-Bird):** Someone every Rockets fan should be familiar with. He fits perfectly into that 3rd string PG role as a capable shooter and defender. Hopefully, we can retain him with the biannual exception of $4.7 million, but his play this year and good shooting may have bumped him beyond that price range. It’s very possibly that the only way we retain him is through the MLE.
* **Delon Wright (PG, UFA/Non-Bird):** A steady vet presence (32 years old) who would be an extremely capable back-up PG when called upon. He plays great defense, has good size at the position at 6’5”, and is a reliable 3point shooter (37% over the past 5 years). I think he’s someone Ime would love to have on the team.
* **Jordan Goodwin (PG, RFA/Two-Way):** A solid PG who put in a good shift for the hospital Grizzlies as a hard nosed defender. His shooting leaves a bit to be desired though (career 31% 3pt shooter), so for that reason, I think there are better options.
by RTLT512
2 Comments
Tate, Jeff and Jock all all retained as in the next “season” and could be traded or actually on the roster/team next year?
Aaron Holiday is great but think he deserves bigger role somewhere. We need a backup PG with play making skill who is okay being the 3rd PG.
Need to add shooter and backup PF. May have to say goodbye to Boban. I don’t know if we will bring Tate and Landale back.