The Houston Rockets had a strong campaign this season under Ime Udoka, improving their record by 19 wins (41-41) from last year (22-60) and upgrading the play of stars such as Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. By adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets adopted a new defensive identity even if they barely missed the play-in tournament. However, they need a little help when it comes to scoring as they ranked 16th in PPG (114.3) and only 23rd in three-point percentage (35.2%).
Looking ahead to this summer, the Rockets can target one of the 10 best free agents for them to become a playoff team next year. Assuming the Rockets renounce their options: Jeff Green ($9.6M team option), Jock Landale ($8M non-guaranteed salary), and Jae’Sean Tate ($7.1M team option), the Rockets can utilize a Non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($12,859,000), Bi-annual exception ($4,681,000), and a Trade exception ($4,510,000) during their free agency period.
1. Paul George
2023-24 Season Statistics: 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $30-35 million, 3-year deal
Paul George would bring a superstar presence and playoff experience to the young Houston Rockets roster. Still known for his perimeter defense, George could help solidify the Rockets’ defense on the perimeter and give them another go-to perimeter defender in the same mold as Dillon Brooks in Ime Udoka’s system.
Most importantly, George is a reliable three-point shooter (41.3% in 2023-24), capable of spacing the floor and providing catch-and-shoot opportunities. His experience playing alongside stars in Los Angeles would help him integrate seamlessly into a lineup featuring Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun.
At the same time, George can also be thrust into the alpha role again which he seems to thrive in. The Rockets can acquire George in a sign-and-trade situation by dangling a blockbuster trade package including three players and the valuable No. 3 overall pick
2. Klay Thompson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $20-25 million, 3-year deal
There isn’t much explanation needed when analyzing how Klay Thompson could fit into the Rockets’ current lineup and improve the team’s rather below-average three-point shooting. With Alperen Sengun drawing double teams and Fred VanVleet moving the ball well, Thompson would make a killing from three.
Even if he is no longer at his peak in terms of shot-making and even perimeter defense, Thompson would be a game-changer when it comes to making perimeter shots. The sharpshooter is nailing 41.3% from deep for his career and could light up the scoring charts in Houston without giving up anything easily on defense.
Again, Thompson could be utilized in a sign-and-trade using the No. 3 overall picks and players such as Steven Adams, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, and perhaps Dillon Brooks. Houston needs to do some maneuvering to acquire the future Hall of Famer.
3. Tobias Harris
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $15-20 million, 3-year deal
Tobias Harris would add a dynamic scoring option to the Rockets’ wing rotation. His ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways makes him a valuable asset as he showed with the Philadelphia 76ers this year. Harris’ athleticism and playstyle would complement Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, giving the Rockets another go-to shooter who can thrive in transition and finish around the rim.
Additionally, his defensive versatility would allow him to guard multiple positions, contributing to Houston’s defensive schemes. At only 31 years old, Harris’ presence would also provide much-needed depth and flexibility to the Rockets’ lineup.
His experience and confidence in taking big shots could relieve some of the scoring pressure on Green and VanVleet as he shot 48.7% from the field and 35.3% from three this year. In case Houston doesn’t make more moves to clear cap space, they can engage in a sign-and-trade with the 76ers by utilizing Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr, Amen Thompson, and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
4. Gary Trent Jr.
2023-24 Season Statistics: 13.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $12-15 million, 3-year deal
Gary Trent Jr. would bring a blend of scoring and defensive tenacity to the Rockets. As a proven three-point shooter (39.3% in 2023-24), Trent’s ability to stretch the floor would open up driving lanes for Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. His knack for hitting clutch shots and scoring in bunches would provide the Rockets with a reliable perimeter threat who can keep defenses honest.
Trent’s offensive prowess would seamlessly integrate into Houston’s up-tempo, fast-paced style of play. Defensively, Trent’s quick hands and anticipation make him a formidable perimeter defender when it comes to reading passing lanes. Posting 1.2 steals per game in his career so far and posting over 1.5 steals per game in 2022 and 2023, Trent Jr could be a major boost to Houston’s roster.
5. Lonnie Walker IV
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $12-15 million, 3-year deal
A forgotten two-way player, Lonnie Walker IV would bring athleticism and scoring ability to the Rockets’ backcourt. With explosive athleticism, Walker is a capable slasher who can get to the rim and finish with authority. His ability to create his own shot and score off the dribble would add another dimension to the Rockets’ offense, providing a spark off the bench or even as a starter.
Walker’s versatility allows him to play the shooting guard and small forward positions, offering flexibility in Houston’s rotations. Defensively, Walker has the potential to be a solid perimeter defender due to his quickness and length under Ime Udoka. Shooting over 38% from three this past season, Walker IV can make his outside shots enough to be an excellent addition to Houston’s team.
6. Malik Beasley
2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $9-12 million, 3-year deal
Malik Beasley would offer the Rockets a high-volume three-point shooter (41.3% this season) and a versatile scoring threat. Known for his ability to heat up quickly and score in bunches, Beasley’s presence would alleviate some of the offensive burden from Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet.
His off-ball movement and ability to create space for his shot would provide the Rockets with another reliable option from deep, enhancing their offensive firepower. In addition to his shooting, Beasley’s athleticism and energy on both ends of the floor would be valuable assets for a team that wants to move up and down the court quickly.
7. Kyle Anderson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 6.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $9-12 million, 3-year deal
Kyle Anderson, known for his versatility and high basketball IQ, would be an excellent addition to the Rockets. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute in various facets of the game makes him a unique asset at power forward and even center.
Anderson’s playmaking ability, combined with his size, allows him to serve as a secondary ball-handler, facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for his teammates. His court vision and passing skills would complement Fred VanVleet, providing the Rockets with additional playmaking depth. Defensively, Anderson’s length and instincts make him a valuable asset.
8. Alec Burks
2023-24 Season Statistics: 10.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $5-9 million, 3-year deal
Alec Burks would bring scoring punch and veteran savvy to the Rockets’ backcourt. Known for his ability to score efficiently off the bench, Burks can provide instant offense and create his own shot in critical moments. With the Pistons and Knicks this past season, the shooter posted 10.4 points per game on 37.6% from deep so he still has enough in the tank at 32 years old to be an excellent veteran addition.
In addition to his scoring, Burks’ ability to handle the ball and facilitate the offense would provide the Rockets with additional playmaking depth. His versatility allows him to play both guard positions, offering flexibility in Houston’s rotations.
9. Cedi Osman
2023-24 Season Statistics: 6.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $5-9 million, 3-year deal
Cedi Osman would provide the Rockets with a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor and half-originates from Turkey like star center Alperen Sengun. Known for his high energy and work ethic, Osman’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and attack the basket would add valuable depth to Houston’s wing rotation. This past season, Osman averaged 6.8 points per game on 38.9% from deep.
Defensively, Osman’s size and agility make him a capable perimeter defender. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide solid team defense would enhance the Rockets’ defensive schemes. Osman’s experience in various roles with Cleveland and San Antonio would also bring a level of maturity and adaptability to the Rockets, helping to stabilize the team and contribute to their overall success.
10. Robert Covington
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Possible Salary Range: $5-9 million, 3-year deal
Robert Covington would bring elite defensive prowess and three-point shooting to the Rockets. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes, Covington’s defensive versatility would significantly bolster Houston’s defensive capabilities. The former Rocket is no longer in his prime but can still contribute.
Offensively, Covington’s ability to knock down three-pointers (36.2% for his career) would provide valuable floor spacing for the Rockets. His catch-and-shoot ability would complement the playmaking of Fred VanVleet and the scoring of Jalen Green, creating more opportunities for the Rockets to spread the floor and attack the basket while adding above-average defense across the floor.
