In late April, new Rockets coach Ime Udoka referenced wanting to add “different types of bigs” in his introductory press conference. While third-year center Alperen Sengun offers strong value and versatility on offense, he’s somewhat limited on defense.
Flush with financial room beneath the NBA’s 2023-24 salary cap, that could explain Houston’s flirtation with veteran Milwaukee center Brook Lopez in recent weeks. However, many of the latest reports suggest Lopez may ultimately return to the Bucks
If that happens, who might be a backup plan for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone once the 2023 free agency negotiating window officially opens on Friday at 5 p.m. Central?
Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl could be an option. Known for his defense, the 27-year-old, 7-foot-1 center averaged 12.5 points (62.9% FG), 9.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 26.5 minutes with the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs last season. Scotto reports Poeltl is expected to receive a deal near $20 million annually, which is in the ballpark of the rumored Lopez bid.
With the start of free agency under 24 hours away, other known Houston targets include Raptors guard Fred VanVleet; Memphis wing Dillon Brooks; and perhaps Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.
As of late Thursday, here’s where things appear to stand.
Jakob Poeltl in play for Rockets?
Jakob Poeltl is expected to receive strong interest from the Raptors, Spurs and Rockets in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype. There’s a belief around the league that Poeltl could command around $20 million annually and could end free agency with a deal in the ballpark of three years, $60 million, according to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype.
Rockets very interested in Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet, 29, is poised to draw significant interest from the Houston Rockets. With Houston prioritizing short-term deals for elevated salaries, there’s been a strong belief VanVleet could garner a two-year, $80-plus million deal, as Marc Stein recently noted. The Raptors would prefer to do a three-year deal with VanVleet closer to the $90-100 million range, league sources told HoopsHype.
Donte DiVincenzo another guard option?
Donte DiVincenzo could land a new contract worth somewhere around the non-taxpayer mid-level exception and is drawing significant interest around the league from several teams, including the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls, league sources told HoopsHype.
DiVincenzo averaged career-highs in three-point percentage (.397), assists (3.5), steals (1.3), and games played (72) with the Golden State Warriors last season.
Brook Lopez prefers Milwaukee, if money is similar
For Houston, Brook Lopez has been a primary target on a short-term deal for an elevated salary, but his preference has always been to remain with Milwaukee should the offers be comparable in the high teens to $20 million average annual salary range.
Pursuits of Fred VanVleet, Jakob Poeltl linked?
It’s also worth noting VanVleet and Poeltl worked effectively together as a pick-and-roll tandem in Toronto. With both players linked to the Raptors and Rockets, playing together could appeal to them going forward. Winning is also expected to be an important factor in Poeltl’s decision.
Rockets inquired about Pascal Siakam trade?
Pascal Siakam also drew trade interest from several teams, including the Hawks, Hornets, Mavericks, Rockets, Pelicans, and Kings, according to a report from Michael Grange of SportsNet. League sources who spoke with HoopsHype said multiple teams who attempted to trade for Siakam were dissuaded from giving up a treasure chest of assets for the two-time All-Star in the final year of his contract since he was unwilling to discuss an extension elsewhere, as Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes mentioned.
Rockets weren't sold on James Harden pursuit, focused on two-year bids
Over the past few months, Rockets execs have made clear to people throughout the league that they weren’t sold on the idea of a Harden return. They’ve also indicated to agents that they have no intention of offering contracts that extend longer than two seasons.
Woj: Rockets prioritized VanVleet over Harden, who wants off 76ers
Harden, 33, could’ve negotiated a new deal with the Sixers upon becoming a free agent, but he decided with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey that they would start working on a way to move Harden less than two years after his arrival in a February 2022 trade.
Harden had an interest in a reunion with the Rockets — who are flush with $64 million in salary cap space — but their guard focus has increasingly been on pursuing Toronto Raptors free agent Fred VanVleet, sources said.
Rockets hold lead for Kyle Kuzma?
There’s growing momentum that the Rockets will have the edge in signing unrestricted free agent Kyle Kuzma, league sources tell B/R
The Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in Kuzma. They’re one of the few teams with the type of cap space to offer the veteran forward the salary he’s seeking.
The Rockets are ready to turn the corner on their rebuild by adding proven players who are capable of leading them back to the playoffs next season.
Rockets could pursue Kyrie Irving meeting?
Star point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to meet with the Phoenix Suns along with the Dallas Mavericks and possibly other teams when NBA free agency begins on June 30, league sources tell TNT/Bleacher Report. The Houston Rockets could seek a meeting as well, according to sources.
Meetings are expected to take place in Los Angeles, sources say.
Harden didn’t like Jalen Green’s podcast comments about joining Rockets?
(James Harden) caught wind of Jalen’s podcast with Paul George, and he wasn’t too keen on some of the things Jalen Green was saying.
For (Jalen) to say “it could be good, it could be bad,” (James) didn’t like that very much.
Source close to Fred VanVleet enthusiastic about Houston's reported bid
A source close to VanVleet pleaded ignorance when I asked about the two years and $80 million figure — teams aren’t allowed to formally make offers until 5 p.m. Central on Friday. Not surprisingly, the concept of it was welcomed with enthusiasm.
Jordan Clarkson won’t enter free agency
Clarkson was previously rumored to be on Houston’s list, albeit presumably as a backup plan behind targets such as VanVleet.
Jordan Clarkson seemed like a strong candidate to opt out. But after Gary Trent Jr. opted in and Josh Hart delayed his decision, it appears the market for guards may not be that strong.
Jazz left with $12.1M in cap space.
Clarkson will be extension-eligible throughout 2023-24 https://t.co/BJb0SJpDgM
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 29, 2023
