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After missing out on the playoffs and ending the season early, the Rockets' management kicked off their offseason. According to previous media reports, they have agreed a multi-year contract extension with general manager Rafael Stone, who will continue to lead the team for the next few seasons.
Over the past few years, under Stone's leadership, the Rockets have steadily rebuilt their game, winning a lot in the draft, selecting young cores such as Green, Shin King, Smith and Eason to build a talented roster for the team, signing experienced veterans such as VanVleet and Dillon in free agency, and most importantly, hiring the controversial Udoka as the team's head coach.
This season, although the Rockets are only ranked 11th in the West and missed the playoffs, their 41-41 record has created the best level in the post-Harden era.
Looking ahead to next season, the Rockets have the Nets' first-round pick, which could be between the 4th and 9th picks, giving the team more room to maneuver.
According to the Houston Chronicle's Fagan, the Rockets plan to trade the first-round pick. Fagan mentioned that the Rockets are looking to trade for a player of their choice, and if that doesn't happen, then they will consider trading it for one or more future first-round picks. The Rockets' decision was based not only on the current draft year, but also because the team already has six first-round picks in the roster, and they want to see results as soon as possible rather than continue to develop new talents.
If the Rockets set their sights on free agency, George, who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, could be a good choice. The nine-time All-Star averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this season, his contract with the Clippers expires this summer, but the contract extension negotiations with the team have reached an impasse, once the Clippers have a poor playoff record, the team may be dismantled and rebuilt at any time, George, who has not won the championship so far, will also seek another chance to win the championship, and the Rockets, who have built a young team, are undoubtedly an ideal next home for George.