KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher, and TyTy Washington are on the way out. Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jock Landale, and Patty Mills are reportedly on the way in, though it appears Mills could soon be rerouted to another team.
It’s been a wild start to 2023 free agency for the Rockets, who are simultaneously spending their NBA-leading figure in financial space below the 2023-24 salary cap while also sending out numerous players for reasons related to either cap finances or roster-crunch considerations. Keep in mind that Houston also has newly drafted rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to make room for, too.
Based on experience, pedigree, and draft status, Houston’s new-look starting lineup seems likely to feature VanVleet, Jalen Green, Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Key reserves could include Kevin Porter Jr., Thompson, Tari Eason, and Jae’Sean Tate.
Landale and Green should figure into the backup center mix for new head coach Ime Udoka, as well, particularly after being spurned by veteran center Brook Lopez. Ultimately, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone landed two of his three preferred free agency targets, with VanVleet and Brooks coming but Lopez staying put.
As of Saturday night, July 1, here’s where things appear to stand, along with a roundup of all the transaction agreements to date.
Potential Rockets lineup, depth chart as of July 1
So, yeah. Insane 24 hours. Here’s where #Rockets are now, I think:
— Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, KPJ
— Jalen Green, KPJ, Patty Mills (if he stays)
— Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore
— Jabari Smith, Eason, Jae’Sean Tate
— Alperen Sengun, Jock Landale, Jeff Green— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 2, 2023
Rockets, Fred VanVleet strike deal
The #Rockets have their veteran leader and floor general after signing Fred VanVleet to a three-year, $130-million deal. Here’s a look at early reaction and key takeaways. https://t.co/07Rx37vovO
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Fred VanVleet’s third contract year a team option
In contrast to initial reports, Fred VanVleet’s new contract with the #Rockets is only guaranteed for two seasons. Year three is a team option. https://t.co/qI2u6xPaao
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Brook Lopez spurns Rockets, stays in Milwaukee
The #Rockets got their free agency deal done with guard target Fred VanVleet, but they didn’t have the same luck with Milwaukee big man Brook Lopez, who is re-signing with the Bucks. https://t.co/ch2UmrIb03
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher traded to Atlanta for salary cap flexibility
The #Rockets are trading Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington to Atlanta to clear more salary cap space this offseason, though their target wasn’t immediately made clear. https://t.co/RvLO16mthS
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Rockets sign Dillon Brooks to four-year, $80-million deal
The #Rockets are boosting their wing defense with the addition of Dillon Brooks, though it isn’t yet clear if the free agency acquisition will come as a signing or a sign-and-trade. https://t.co/rEkK7x9LGf
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Rockets sign Jock Landale, trade for Patty Mills
After reaching deals with Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Houston’s busy free agency continued with a trade for Brooklyn guard Patty Mills and the signing of Phoenix big man Jock Landale. https://t.co/2aBGuPSvxz
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Rockets trade Josh Christopher to Memphis
Hours after the #Rockets traded Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington to Atlanta, Houston sent Josh Christopher to Memphis. It’s part of an enormous roster shuffle in the 2023 offseason. https://t.co/LjJKXClrJA
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Rockets trade KJ Martin to Clippers
On one of the most active transaction days in franchise history, the #Rockets traded KJ Martin to the Clippers for two future second-round draft picks. https://t.co/wgqmQumXcM
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 1, 2023
Rockets sign NBA veteran Jeff Green
With a need for veteran leadership and frontcourt help, the #Rockets are signing NBA champion Jeff Green to a one-year, $6-million contract. @MikeAScotto was first with the news. https://t.co/FJBffifoBb
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) July 2, 2023
