Why Rockets Must Be Aggressive in Free Agency
The Houston Rockets made a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 to land Russell Westbrook, who spent one season with the Rockets. To land Westbrook, the Rockets sent a hefty package to the Thunder.
The Rockets sent the Thunder Chris Paul, 2024 first round draft pick (top four protected), 2026 first round draft pick (top four protected), 2025 first round pick swap (1-20 protected) and a 2021 pick swap.
One of those picks is worthy to keep an eye on in the upcoming season. The Rockets' 2024 pick will convey to the Thunder unless the pick lands in the top four.
For the Rockets, tanking and trying to land a top-four pick isn't a viable option. They just had a successful draft, landing Amen Thompson at pick No. 4 and Cam Whitmore at No. 20. They bring these two players in alongside Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.
They may have too much young talent to try and compete for a bottom draft pick, and even then, they're relying on the draft lottery to make sure they get their pick and it doesn't convey to the Thunder.
With their current young core, alongside the coaching of Ime Udoka, the Rockets are expected to take a step forward from last season, and they'll struggle to stay in the bottom tier of records. To ensure they don't give the Thunder a top seven pick, the Rockets should be aggressive in free agency.
With having plenty of money, the Rockets will be able to sign one of the better free agents searching for a pay day this offseason. James Harden, Austin Reaves, Cam Johnson, Fred VanVleet, Khris Middleton and Draymond Green are a few names expecting a payday this offseason.
If the Philadelphia 76ers are reluctant to give Harden his desired contract, the two sides could pair up once again. Harden would be able to use his leadership to help blossom the young squad and in return, the Rockets could give Harden his desired contract to get him back to his city.
Cam Johnson is another unique name the Rockets could chase, as he's likely looking at a market of four years, $100 million. The Rockets can afford that and would be getting some solid scoring services from a player that can act as a connector and bring solid experience from his time with the Phoenix Suns.
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