They could be ready to retool but it would be difficult to lose him and get nothing in return. VanVleet has been an essential part of the Raptors success. That could still make things interesting for the Rockets, however, if the investment in Middleton makes it more likely that Brook Lopez moves on. But there is an expectation he will be back with the Bucks. If healthy, he is able to play off the ball and defend in ways the Rockets lacked.
ESCAPE GAME HOUSTON FREE
Something to consider: Middleton would be a nice addition to any team able to spend in free agency. Wrist and knee injuries cost him the bulk of last season and he had off-season knee surgery.
ESCAPE GAME HOUSTON FOR FREE
He might not make that much next season but there is a good chance he opted for free agency with confidence that he could land a significant contract to make it worth giving up some of next season’s haul. Middleton opted out of a contract that would have paid him $40.4 million next season. The deal for Chris Paul was another indication that the Warriors’ priority is to chase another championship, especially in the final season of Klay Thompson’s and Paul’s contracts. Something to consider: Steve Kerr and Dunleavy have been so outspoken and clear about ‘s Green’s importance to the Warriors. They are still much better on both ends with Green on the floor.
New GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s job is to keep the Warriors’ championship window open as long as possible. But he remains more valuable to the Warriors and their way of playing than to any other team. Green will opt out of his contract, and it makes sense for him to see what’s out there. Even for the Rockets, there had to be questions about whether they can be good enough while he still is, especially if it takes a four-year contract to get him.ĭraymond Green. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Draymond Green, F/C, Warriors
It has not made a great deal of sense from a basketball standpoint for a 34-year-old that could be part of a contender to jump to a team that won 22 games last season and is still rebuilding. Something to consider: Harden’s interest in coming “home” was, at least initially, about considerations other than basketball. Assuming he opts out of his contract, it is unlikely he will be a relative bargain again. The Sixers, however, seem as determined as ever to bring him back. That hope ended in a second-round loss with another Game 7 dud. Tucker in pursuit of a title, or at least a return to the Finals where he has not been since he left the Thunder. He gave the 76ers a significant discount last summer to allow them to sign former Rockets teammates Danuel House Jr. Harden can be considered the top prize of free agency for the second consecutive season. The trick, besides getting agreements, will be making the puzzle pieces fit.Ī look at the Rockets options: The Headliners James Harden, G, 76ers The Rockets will likely try to sign three or even four free agents, a pair to larger contracts and one or two to help fill in around them. VanVleet could seek a spot with a team closer to contending. Harden has long been tied to the Rockets but would take the largest chunk of that cap space. Johnson and Reeves are restricted free agents and part of any pursuit might begin with determining the likelihood that their teams would match contracts with the Lakers especially determined to bring back their second-year forward.
Media reports have tied them to James Harden and Fred VanVleet. and Tari Eason - and play with two-way intelligence that comes with experience.Įquipped with so much spending power, the most in the NBA, and a coach, Ime Udoka, that is popular among NBA players, the Rockets have not prioritized specific targets as much as a pool of players to pursue.Īccording to a person with knowledge of their thinking, they have interest in the Bucks’ Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, the Nuggets’ Bruce Brown, the Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura and Austin Reeves, the Nets' Cam Johnson, the Warriors’ Donte DiVincenzo, the Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks, the Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl and the Mavericks’ Dwight Powell. They are not, according to an individual familiar with the team’s plans, looking for specific positions or skills as much as veterans that make “winning plays.” The goal is to find additions that mesh with the core of the rebuilding - Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. The NBA adage to draft for talent, sign free agents for need will apply, but only to a degree. There is an understanding of what they want to add to a roster loaded with young talent seeking to escape its seasons of losing. on Friday with the Rockets having more than $60 million to spend, depending on decisions on contracts that are not guaranteed. Agreements with free agents can begin at 5 p.m.
0 kommentar(er)
