How does this trade effect contract extensions for Jabari and Tari? Can the Rockets still lock them up or will they have to go restricted now?
Probably not. Almost certainly not. I suspect a few tweaks to the roster between now and training camp. Need at least an average backup 2 guard.
I feel the Rockets will get into this draft somehow with a late first rounder or second rounder. I was really excited for draft day, I would love to see some follow up moves that get us a pick. We'll see.
Here’s what ChatGPT GM says: Here are some strong candidate moves for Houston to add backcourt spacing after acquiring KD: Free-Agent Targets (Shooting Guards & 3‑Point Specialists) Malik Beasley (Unrestricted) 2024–25: averaged 16.3 PPG, shot 41.6% from deep—2nd in the league in total makes . Likely commands a $6–8 M per year deal. Ideal high-volume catch-and-shoot guard. Gary Trent Jr. (Unrestricted) Heated up after signing midseason, hitting a blistering 50% from deep, averaging ~12 PPG . Could get $8–10 M/year on a 3-year deal. Adds proven two-way floor-spacing. Buddy Hield (Unrestricted) Ranked highly among 3PT guards on market . Deep shooting specialist, but efficiency and defensive concerns. Trade Targets (Shooters on Other Teams) Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets) 29 y/o, 6’8”, shot 39% from 3 on 7.2 attempts per game . Nets could package him with assets. Ideal for spacing around Durant and Sengun. Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz) Averaged 24.5 PPG on 49/39.5/88.5 splits . More of a stretch-four, but moves to small forward with Durant at the 2, giving SF scoring punch. ✅ Fit & Strategy Beasley + Trent Jr.: Affordable, veteran shooters to complement Durant and amenable cap space. Johnson: Trade that preserves youth and picks, gives more consistent spacing. Markkanen: High upside on offense; may require sending out young assets or picks. Cap & Role Structure Rockets have mid-level exceptions (~$10M) after KD’s $54.7M . Adding one or two of these shooters fills the SG/wing need, keeps core intact, and avoids mass roster churn. Summary Moves Type Player Expected Role Free Agent Malik Beasley 3-and-D floor spacer, off-ball sharpshooter Free Agent Gary Trent Jr. 2-way combo guard with heatcheck ability Trade Cam Johnson 6’8” shooter, fits Youth + Spacing model Trade Lauri Markkanen Off-ball big, opens space with KD at 3 ️ Approach Secure a free-agent SG (Beasley or Trent Jr.) via exception or smaller deal. Explore trade for Cam Johnson, offering young assets + pick(s). Stretch if needed: pursue Markkanen if the salary match and assets work. Together with Durant, Sengun, Amen, Smith Jr., these additions give Houston elite shooting, offense, and positional versatility in a championship-contending lineup.
We need some kind of shooting guard. At least a good bench guy like Luke Kennard. I trust FVV, Amen, and Reed to handle point guard but now we're very thin at SG unless they think Amen can do it full time?
Ya'll Like Davion Mitchell? How much would Davion Mitchell cost? 1. Cam & Picks? 2. Reed Sheppard, Landsdales, Aaron Holiday, and cash considerations? 3. Bribe Adam Silver w/ a lifetime supply of Spanx? I dunno, you guys are the experts
I know a lot of people don't want to hear it, but genuinely if we could somehow swap FVV for Harden then that genuinely might be the piece that puts us over the top. Harden's not been a "heliocentric" star for a long time now. He's a better playmaker than Fred, he'd be a better 3rd scorer after KD and Sengun than literally everybody else and you can either run him with Amen for lobs (and to cover his D) or Reed for kick out wide open 3's that'll offset any slight lapse in D. LIke genuinely, we'd be pretty insane. Harden last year did: 79 games 22.8 pts 8.7 ast 5.8 reb 58.2ts% And if any of our 2 other options go down he showed this last season he can still step up and carry a win or 2 when he's called on...
Im expecting the Rockets to just re-sign FVV and use non taxpayer MLE and some small moves to come right under the luxury tax. If they really want to go for it though, they can use fvv salary and the good brooklyn Phoenix picks in S&T for another major piece. But I think they are basically done except for MLE signing
Sign Al Horford and have him play the 4. He is still a good defender and can space the floor on offense.
I mean, aren’t we pretty set? I’m guessing we extend FVV. FVV / Amen / KD / Smith / Sengun Sheppard / Cam / Tari / Adams Along with Holiday and Landale. We’ll probably barely be under the apron with minimum guys filling out the rest.
Giannis is No. 1 option. Trey Murphy, Cam Johnson, Booker ( more deadline) are next tier. Probably missing a few guys that can play 2-3. Once big options are done or not an option, I'd look at guys on small contracts, that play defense and shoot. Keon Ellis likely easiest to acquire as it seems his team doesn't want him. I'm assuming Rockets and FVV already have an agreement.
Trade Holiday and Tate and picks for Anthony Edwards. Thompson Edwards Durant Jabari Sengun easy peasy
