Rockets Expected to Skip Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, Chris Paul
The Houston Rockets are actively assessing their roster needs, particularly in the point guard position. While many teams have specific requirements, the Rockets face a significant obstacle in finding a suitable fit. Recent reports suggest they are unlikely to pursue high-profile guards such as Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, or veteran Chris Paul.
Rockets’ Point Guard Dilemma
According to Yahoo Sports reporter Kelly Iko, the Rockets are focusing on their current options rather than chasing expensive marquee names. The complexities of trading for such players, particularly regarding contracts and fit, remain a primary concern.
Current Roster Candidates
- Reed Sheppard: Although he shows potential at the point guard position, Sheppard has often been utilized in an off-ball role. His shooting ability is evident, as he connects on 40.9% of his three-point attempts and averages 12.8 points per game.
- JD Davison: As a two-way player, Davison stands out as a top pick-and-roll option for the Rockets. However, he faces restrictions due to his two-way contract, limiting his availability to just 50 games.
Trade Options and Salary Concerns
Exploring external options for point guards presents challenges. For any potential high-priced acquisition, Fred VanVleet’s $25 million salary complicates matters. His contract carries an implied no-trade clause, making him less likely to be included in deals.
The Rockets also find themselves hard-capped, with only $1.2 million available below the salary cap apron. They do have other players like Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason, each drawing interest in different scenarios. However, trading these players together would only provide approximately $25 million in salary space.
Conclusion
The quest for a new point guard remains critical for the Rockets. While options like Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, and Chris Paul may be out of reach, the team must explore viable alternatives within their own roster. Addressing this need effectively could shape their future success.
