Hassan Whiteside (Photo : Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are rumored to pursue top free agents this summer as part of the team's attempt to bolster their lineup following their dysfunctional campaign this season.
The Rockets could be major players to lure one or two stars this summer, with the team projected to have a maximum salary cap space of $41.2 million heading into the summer market.
There is growing sense that the Rockets could target a star big man as backup plan for the exit of Dwight Howard, who will explore free agency for more lucrative deals. The Rockets are also in play to sign a talented point guard to address their issues at the position, although the market will be very thin for available talented floor generals.
According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, two of the possible free agents under the Rockets' radar are Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. Feigen reported that the Rockets' "top priority" in the offseason is to chase after OKC Thunder superstar Kevin Durant, but the lack of "key signing" may lead Houston to shift their focus on other free agents.
"The Rockets' top priority would be to join the pursuit of Thunder star Kevin Durant. Oklahoma City's success and the Rockets' issues could complicate that because the Rockets likely seek a key signing to help entice Durant, the prize of the summer," Feigen wrote.
The Rockets' attempt to improve their point guard spot after trading for Ty Lawson did not end up well, with the PG not a fit to the team's type of system. Adding Conley, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists per game in the past season, should instantly fill the need for an upgrade at the point guard spot.
Meanwhile, Whiteside would be a great replacement for Howard, who has been somewhat lackluster in the regular season. Adding Whiteside would not only give the Rockets an elite rim protector and inside presence, but also a scoring option down low, although utilizing him would probably require a point guard like Conley.
But the Rockets and general manager Daryl Morey may have a difficult path to acquiring the two aforementioned potential FA targets, with Houston also planning to retain some of their own free agents, who have contributed well to their winning ways this year.
The more realistic approach for the Rockets could be to lure one max contract player and add in some veteran free agents who could complement in James Harden's game style. Certainly, any between Whiteside and Conley would be great addition to the Rockets for the next season.
