Wembayama is a generational talent, 18 years old, 2" shorter than Yao. Skill set of KD and Steph. It's not even suppose to be possible. Though I'm excited for the season. I'd give up 1 more year for a shot at getting him or scoot.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the $134 million projected cap figure means for the other important offseason elements. RealGM puts together incredibly useful estimates in this area, and a $134 million salary cap leads to a $162 million luxury tax (up from this season’s $123.7 million cap and $150.3 million luxury tax). Here are the projected max contracts for each experience level: 25 percent max (0-6 years experience): $33.5 million starting salary; five years, $194.3 million with current team; four years, $144.1 million with another team 30 percent max (7-9 years experience): $40.2 million starting salary; five years, $233.2 million with current team; four years, $172.9 million with another team 35 percent max (10-plus years experience): $46.9 million starting salary; five years, $272 million with current team; four years, $201.7 million with another team And here are the projected exception amounts at that same cap estimate: Non-taxpayer midlevel exception: four years, $48.9 million ($11.4 million starting salary) Taxpayer midlevel exception: three years, $22.1 million ($7 million starting salary) Room exception: two years, $12 million ($5.9 million starting salary) Biannual exception: two years, $9.1 million ($4.4 million starting salary) Houston Rockets After agreeing to a fascinating extension with Kevin Porter Jr., the Rockets should have around $61 million in space assuming they let Eric Gordon go via trade or waive him before the final season guarantees. That said, the Rockets could also wait another season to spend if the July 2023 class is disappointing because their next big raise is Jalen Green in 2025, so 2023 and 2024 are both viable opportunities as of now. That could lead to the Rockets’ lottery result and the development of their young players looming large, along with which free agents or trade targets show interest in joining Houston.
Fred VanVleet in free agency this offseason. Offer him a massive amount, get him hooked on Tex Mex and golf. He would be my top target in free agency. Very unlikely we could sign him, but one can dream. I think he’d be very good for our team and organization.
I dont think there is a real clear cut max option in 23 or 24. I dont know enough about projected cap to say what we could offer Turner of FVV but I like both. Lets ignore the 2023 pick for a min. How does this team do next year? Turner/Sengun Smith/Uzi KMJ/Eason Green/KPJ FVV/KPJ/TY
that’s definitely a good team for playoff contention. I’m not excited about subjugating Sengun and Eason’s development but id be thrilled if that was our roster next season. Keep in mind that Tate isn’t going anywhere (most likely).
They could easily go after both .... The max for either of them is $40,064,220. It would take $80,128,440 to max both guys and they have $72,640,702 in practical cap space - They will need to create space for their incoming draft pick and another $8m to make it happen. Shipping KPJ and his $15,860,000 out the door clears the way.
I've said before that if they get FA right (or thru a trade) they can easily be a 50 win team. Adding Turner would really force them to make a decision on one of Sengun / Fernando / Garuba because there's a logjam at the position as is ....
I guess putting KPJ and Sengun on second unit is eh without ensuring minutes are staggered. You could go with Sengun Turner Smith Green FVV FVV
Not sure why you couldn’t do both. In fact, probably the only way the Rockets sign any significant free agent is to sell two of them on signing here and joining this young squad. I don’t think any signal free agent of significance signs here without a significant uptick in winning toward the end of the year.
I liked FVV, but man has he had a tailspin this season, like it is really bad. He isn't a perfect fit either, he isn't a true PG, he is a PG sized SG. Turner is a perfect fit alongside Jabari, and also Sengun off the bench. Another name is Porzingas, 7-3 center. Not the unicorn he once was, but still a net positive on the court.
I completely agree, assuming we don’t draft Wemby. I would like a lineup of KPJ, Jalen, Brandon Miller, Jabari, and Myles Turner. LFG!!
For me, picking up some free agents in 2023 off-season is important, as we don't have our 2024 first rounder. So this 2023 draft is make-or-break time for us. Who we pursue in FA really depends on who we get in the draft. If we are lucky enough to snag picks 1 or 2, then really we have locked in our C or PG. If Khris Middleton opts out, then he might be the main guy to throw the max at - he would fit nicely with either Vic or Scoot (and Jalen and Jabari) If we get Vic, then try for FVV as well If we get Scoot, then try for Turner If we miss out on Middleton, Harrison Barnes might not be the worst backup plan (not as a max) The other alternate route to pursue is absorbing a few veterans into cap space - and receiving picks for doing so (might have to trade some of our marginal talents back to do this one). We're not going to win 50 games by doing that, but there might be a way of picking up some useful vets to add to some of the nice talented core we already have (especially if you include Vic or Scoot). Or possibly follow similar logic and trade for a disgruntled star who wants a new home (depending on the star we might have to send a pick or 2 along with a player or 2)
Josh Hart is nice mid-tier target in free agency, but he’s a 2 so there’s not a natural fit on our team as long as Jalen and KPJ are on the roster. He’s a dog who excels on both sides of the ball and has big upside. He’s the kind of guy that can play heavy minutes at the 2 and 3. But it wouldn’t make much sense if we are committing to KPJ long-term.
String of random trade/FA thoughts: I really like Jerami Grant's career arc. It's pretty unlikely Blazers won't get an extension done, but if it doesn't happen then Rockets need to do what they can top get him in FA. John Collins is someone who needs some new scenario. He is 25 and has 4 year remaining w/a player option on about ~26 mil a year. The issue would be the timing of the trade, I wouldn't want to make the move until the 2023 offseason. I think he brings a floor that makes the Rockets a bit too good in the context of the draft order. Not a fan of going after Khris Middleton with the age and injury history. Gordon + Tate for Fournier + Reddish + 2023 FRP swap (HOU's MIL pick for better of NYK/DAL). We are taking on an additional year of contract for the worst contract and get a crack a Reddish. Knicks get to upgrade their roster and a potentially better cap situation depending on what they want to do with Gordon (who I think fits like a glove on the Knicks as a two way combo guard). EG + Josh Christopher for Crowder + Shamet + 2025 Suns FRP. Rockets have one less net guard, get a future pick when they don't have their own, and Shamet has an additional year of ~$10 mil. Suns get a roster improvement and potential salary relief for the future.
