Rockets general manager Stone has revealed to the media that the team's rebuild has been basically completed, and through two years of draft and trade operations, the Rockets have collected a number of promising young players, Jaylen Green, Shen Jing, Smith and Eason are all regarded as the team's future core players.
But from next season, the Rockets' draft picks are no longer in the control of the team, so the team has no motivation to continue to rot, if you only rely on this young roster, even if it is not rotten, it is difficult to rise in one season, Stone also believes that the team needs to strengthen the roster in the offseason, so he cleared out 60 million salary space in advance, enough to bring in two All-Star players.
Rockets reporter Iko revealed that the Rockets will pursue former Rockets star James Harden after the player market opens, and is willing to offer Harden a maximum salary contract, which is expected to be close to $200 million for 4 years, which will make it difficult for the 76ers to compete, after all, the team already has Embiid and Harris two big contracts, Maxi is also under pressure to renew, if the 76ers do not dispose of Harris, it is difficult to give Harden a satisfactory contract extension.
Signing Harden in the offseason is only the first step in the Rockets' reinforcements, according to US media reports, the Rockets will also chase the Clippers Paul George, and plan to provide a 7-for-1 trade offer, specifically:
The Rockets sent Porter Jr., Tate, Knicks, 2024, 2026 Nets first-rounder, 2025 Rockets protected first-rounder, 2024 Warriors second-round pick, get Clippers Paul George.
If the deal goes through, the Rockets will form the main Harden + George lineup, and Sellars can put out a starter lineup that is both offensive and defensive:
Point guard: Harden
Quarterback: Jaylen Green
Young: George
Omae: Smith
Center: Shin Kyung
The substitute lineup includes: Taitai, Tofer, Ethan, Martin Jr. and Garuba, do you think this lineup is strong enough to compete for the championship?