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) /

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Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images /

Austin Rivers

2018-19 was a tough year for Austin Rivers. After starting the season with the Washington Wizards, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns with Kelly Oubre Jr. for Trevor Ariza. He was waived a day later before being signed by the Houston Rockets last December.

He was given ample opportunity to perform in Houston while averaging 28.6 minutes per game, his most since his career-best season in 2017-18. Unfortunately, he did not come close to matching his offensive numbers of the past.

I think Austin Rivers is the first to re-sign after the dust settles from the first wave of deals. https://t.co/qKd01TNzLH
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) June 29, 2019

On the flip side, Rivers’ defense is getting better with age and he looked good last season. As he makes the transition to figuring out his full-time role in the NBA, the Rockets have a chance to take advantage.

Rivers’ price tag is low. While the Rockets could unload their expensive contracts to try and rebuild, signing a cheap, experienced and improving player could be what works. He had a cap hit of under a million, which made him well worth the cost.

Spending what may be considered market value could be unattractive for the Rockets. With that said, unless Rivers wants to stay in Houston, there is a good chance a bad team will pay more for his services.

Verdict: Sell

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