The Houston Rockets have always been a team with a bold vision for its franchise. The list of names they have traded for or signed over the years is long and impressive: Clyde Drexler, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Charles Barkley, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and just recently, Kevin Durant.
Former team owner Leslie Alexander used to have a stack of poker chips on his desk inside Toyota Center and current owner Tilman Fertitta owns casinos. So, gambling is really their stock-in-trade.
But to say they have hit the ground running this offseason would be an understatement. The early free agency period where teams are allowed to negotiate with players and sign extensions began on Tuesday at midnight, but the Rockets were already working on a flurry of deals to add to what they started last week. The entire league is so busy, the computer keyboards of NBA fans are already getting a workout as they smash the refresh button on Shams Charania's X feed.
Let's take a quick peak at what has already happened for the Rockets and what may still be to come.
Jabari Smith Signs an Extension
Before the dust had even settled on the Kevin Durant trade (unofficially), the Rockets had locked up their young forward to a five-year, $122 million contract, a very reasonable price for what amounts to their fifth starter. He should not only improve (he's barely 22 years old), but he'll get to learn from KD.
Dorian Finney-Smith Joins and Clint Capela Returns
GM Rafael Stone wasted zero time stocking up on pieces around Amen Thompson, Durant, Smith and others by agreeing to terms with Finney-Smith, a three-and-d forward who shot better than 41 percent from three with the Lakers last season. The deal is four years, $53 million, another solid signing for a good price. Finney-Smith had just opted out of his contract in LA.
And not on anyone's bingo card, former center Clint Capela returns to the Rockets after spending five-plus years in Atlanta. Like Finney-Smith (32), he's in his early 30s and provides excellent depth at the center spot for just under $7 million. A wild Free Agent Day Eve night.
Veterans Will Return
Jae'Sean Tate is expected to return for what should be a one-year veteran minimum deal. Ditto Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday. All three provide veteran depth at multiple positions and leadership in the locker room. Holiday is a quality shooter who also plays tough defense and Tate is a defensive spark plug deep on the bench. Running it back with these three provide continuity and stability this team still needs.
Fred VanVleet will restructure his contract and remain with the Rockets. Sean Thomas" class="uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle"> click to enlarge
Fred VanVleet will restructure his contract and remain with the Rockets.
Sean Thomas
Restructuring Fred VanVleet
VanVleet, though he has some detractors, is the floor general for coach Ime Udoka. The team is wildly better at protecting the ball and running the half court with him on the floor. He is expected to have a re-worked contract that will decrease his per-year salary giving the team some much needed salary cap flexibility. VanVleet loves playing here and the staff loves having him. He also provides an excellent mentor for second-year guard Reed Sheppard.
There Will Be More to Come
With the flurry of signings, there will need to be some clearing of space on the current roster. It has been reported that Nate Williams will be waived and with Jock Landale's contract decision pushed back to July 7, it's possible he is incorporated into either the Durant deal or as a sign-and-trade for Capela or Finney-Smith. There is also the question of whether Cam Smith, likely a valuable target for some teams, could net the Rockets either draft picks or maybe a veteran in some sort of package move.
Free agency hasn't even officially opened and it's pretty clear the Rockets GM isn't getting much sleep this week.