The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a roster revamp after their playoff exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers. Interestingly, the Rockets are eyeing a familiar face from the Lakers' camp, veteran guard Marcus Smart, as part of their rebuilding strategy.
There's buzz around the league that Smart might be considering a bold move. With a $5.4 million player option on the table for next season, Smart is reportedly weighing the option of declining it to test the waters of free agency. This move could open the door for Houston, among other interested teams, to potentially bring him on board.
As the Rockets navigate the offseason, they're also faced with crucial decisions regarding their current lineup. One key player in their sights is swingman Tari Eason. Early indications suggest that Houston is keen on keeping Eason, valued for his defensive prowess, as part of their future plans.
During his stint with the Lakers last season, Smart put up an average of 9.3 points per game in the regular season. His experience and skill set could be a valuable addition to the Rockets as they aim to strengthen their squad.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have also been linked with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who has been swirling in trade rumors lately. Brown's recent social media activity hints at some tension with the Celtics, which could play into Houston's favor. The connection between Brown and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022, might be a significant factor in Houston's interest.
However, the path to acquiring Brown or any other marquee player isn't clear-cut. The Rockets are reportedly exploring trade options, with veteran swingman Dorian Finney-Smith appearing as a potential trade chip. Finney-Smith's contract, which runs for three more seasons at $13.3 million per year, could be a piece in Houston's trade puzzle, especially since the final two years aren't guaranteed.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Rockets maneuver these potential moves to reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
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Before Tyler Herro landed in Milwaukee as part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, Los Angeles had at least explored a path that would have brought back another piece in that same frontcourt conversation. It is another sign that the Lakers are willing to keep working the phones for a big-man solution, even if the exact price and the right match still have not come together. [Read more 🡒]
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The appeal for the Lakers is straightforward: a prospect with useful shooting and finishing tools can be brought along without being asked to do everything at once. Playing alongside Luka Doncic gives Los Angeles a chance to keep him in more favorable spots on the floor, and if that connection clicks the team may have found a draft pick whose value shows up sooner rather than later. [Read more 🡒]
Former Hawks Big Suddenly Lands In A Much Bigger Free Agency Battle
The Lakers are looking at ways to round out the roster around Luka Doncic, and two names on the free-agent board keep surfacing: Cavaliers forward Dean Wade and center Jock Landale. HoopsHypes Michael Scotto reported that both players have multiple suitors, with Los Angeles among the teams in the mix, which fits the kind of low-drama, role-specific shopping the Lakers have had to do as they try to add more usable size and shooting.
Wade brings the appeal of a perimeter-oriented forward who can help space the floor, while Landale offers a more physical option in the middle and a different look in the frontcourt. The catch for the Lakers is that the market may not be as simple as finding a bargain and moving on, especially with Landale drawing interest strong enough to push him beyond the usual short-term template. [Read more 🡒]