After again failing to win the number one pick in the NBA draft, the Houston Rockets appear ready to change course this summer. While they still have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, the hiring of Coach Ime Udoka signals that the team is finally ready to win again.
With plenty of cap space, young players, and an apparent desire to win, the Rockets could quickly transform their roster in free agency. That could begin with the Rockets signing former MVP James Harden, who spent six seasons in Houston before demanding a trade. If he returns, that would embolden them to aggressively pursue other stars as well as sign key role players.
The Rockets’ ambitious free agency wishlist would make them a contender
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Brook Lopez, Fred VanVleet, Cam Johnson, and Dillon Brooks are all on the Rockets’ wishlist.
Rockets Interested In Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez, Cam Johnson, Dillon Brooks https://t.co/WX0WaA3SFm
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 6, 2023
Additionally, they could have as much as $60 million in cap space to work with, though much of that would go to Harden, with potentially enough space to sign another player or two on their list.
Even then, Houston would still have plenty of young talent, including former #2 overall picks Jalen Green and Jabari Smith, as well as Alperin Sengun and the fourth pick in this year’s draft. Green, Smith, and Sengun could continue on as starters, with Harden and possibly Brooks joining them at point guard and small forward, respectively.
They could also draft 6’7 point guard Amen Thompson with the fourth pick to help bolster their bench. That would give them a dramatically improved starting lineup and a nice talent upgrade in the second unit. Then again, Houston may swing for the fences and look to trade Green for a star, which has been rumored.
Boston would make plenty of sense as a potential trade option. As would Atlanta, with Trae Young available. In fact, whether through trade, free agency, or both, it’s not far-fetched to think that Houston could have two All-Stars on their roster next season.
Overall, Houston has the tools needed to make a big splash in free agency. However, it remains to be seen whether they can attract several players on their summer wishlist.