US media: Houston Rockets offseason operation and improvement
Offseason trades: Amen Thompson (draft) and Cam Whitmore (draft)
What to look for: Salary space
The question for Rockets management is whether the roster can be improved in the free agent market (or trade market) without maintaining future flexibility and not hurting the development of the young core?
Houston has the third-youngest team in the league, but they have scored 14, 20 and 21 wins, respectively, in the past three seasons since James Harden was traded to Brooklyn.
Speaking of Harden, the Rockets enter the offseason with the league's highest salary space of $64 million, enough to sign the former MVP with a starting salary of $47 million.
However, it would be wise to break up the salary space and spend the money on multiple players (such as Fred VanVleet, Bruce Brown Jr., and Dillon Brooks) rather than one player.
Other highlights:
Kenyon Martin Jr.'s expiring contract.
Exceptions available: $7.7 million, with mid-level and veteran minimums
Under $136 million in salary caps: $64 million
Key Dates:
June 29: Big God Knicks' $1.8 million contract secured (cut out)
June 29: Last day to execute Martin's 1.8 million team option (already executed)
October 31: Last day to execute the three-year team selection of Jabari Smith Jr., Tatetay Washington Jr. and Tarry Eason and the four-year team selection of Jalen Green, Alpayne Sengon, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher.
Two-way players: 0
Teams need:
Starting point guard, player development, outside defense
Eligible for contract extension: Martin (June 30 and next season, if exercising team options)
