Houston Rockets: Playing buy or sell with 2019 free agents

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 25 : Kenneth Faried #35 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 25, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 25 : Kenneth Faried #35 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 25, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets are still trying to build a legitimate contender, and deciding which 2019 free agents to keep will be the first step this offseason.

The Houston Rockets want a championship. With James Harden leading the charge, it’s important that the Rockets make the most of their prized-superstar. There has been plenty of drama surrounding Chris Paul and Harden, but as of right now, they are heading into the free agency period as teammates.

The Rockets are coming off a great regular season but a tough showing in the playoffs. They fell easily to the Golden State Warriors and definitely need significant work if they hope to compete for an NBA title. Their weaknesses were exploited with ease, but finding ways to balance that with better talent and more versatility on the court will be important this offseason.

The Rockets have Eric Gordon for one more season and have locked up Clint Capela for the foreseeable future. While Capela has plenty of work to do when it comes to playing in the big games and creating versatile offensive opportunities, both Gordon and Capela are solid compliments to the Paul-Harden combo for as long as it lasts.

Outside of that, the Rockets have plenty of work to do. They are on the cusp of losing players who stepped up for them last season, but a deep free agency pool could have them pumping the breaks on some of their pending free agents.