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After another disappointing exit in the NBA Playoffs, the Houston Rockets have a few important decisions to make. Mike D'Antoni won't be returning as head coach next season but their current roster is all-in on small ball. James Harden believes that the team is one piece away from contending so NBA trade rumors for potential targets have already started to surface.
NBA Trade Rumors: Salary cap issues for Houston Rockets?
The biggest issue though is that the Houston Rockets have two supermax players on their roster already. They are hard-capped and the non-taxpayer's mid-level exception of a little over $9 million won't allow them to sign the hottest prospects out there.
However, that amount, coupled with the option of sign-and-trades will be enough to allow GM Daryl Morey to make a few moves in the market. On that note, here are five players that they should target.
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#1 Markieff Morris
If you watched the Houston Rockets get outplayed by the LA Lakers, you're also probably aware that the latter turned to Markieff Morris to nullify the former's small ball. Morris averages 11.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for his career and can stretch the floor. Most importantly, he's shown that he's got the skillset that H-Town needs.
Markieff Morris wasn't the LA Lakers' first choice around the trade deadline so he's unlikely to be re-signed to a new contract next season. He should be available on an annual salary of a shade over $2 million and at 6'8, he'll provide cover to the likes of Robert Covington and PJ Tucker.
#2 Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is the prototypical 3-and-D wing who suits the Houston Rockets' playing style perfectly. He had a hard time in Memphis but his fortunes changed drastically after joining the Miami Heat. Crowder has averaged 12.8 points on 40% shooting from downtown and 6.2 rebounds per game in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
The Heat have every reason to re-sign him next season but he'll command an annual salary of around $9 million and is unlikely to be willing to agree to a one-year deal. Miami want to preserve cap space for the 2020-21 free agency class. This is where the Houston Rockets can swoop in and complete a deal.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors - PJ Tucker wants to extend stay with Houston Rockets
#3 Christian Wood
Detroit's Christian Wood is supposed to be one of the most sought after players this offseason if NBA trade rumors are to be believed and the Houston Rockets should be interested in him as well. Wood had a breakout year in 2019-20, especially after the Pistons moved Andre Drummond. He managed 22.8 points and nearly 10 rebounds per outing in the 13 games he played since then.
Houston Rockets may want a conventional big following the departure of D'Antoni. At 6'10, Wood offers them an improvement in size on their frontcourt and can also pop up from downtown. Most importantly, Wood brings interior scoring to the table, something that the Houston Rockets are completely devoid of right now.
#4 Moe Harkless
The Houston Rockets have done a fairly good job on defense against teams who force the issue through mid-range or by driving to the bucket. However, their perimeter defense isn't as refined. Maurice 'Moe' Harkless could help in this regard.
Another 3-and-D wing, Harkless' ability to guard any player from 1 to 3 made him a key component of the LA Clippers before he was traded to the New York Knicks. A free agent, he should command an annual salary of around $6 million.
#5 Joe Harris
For a team that shoots as many threes, the Houston Rockets are not at all efficient. Ben McLemore is their only player who managed to shoot at 40% or above from downtown last season but he offers little outside of his catch-and-shoot ability.
Joe Harris comes in as a useful piece here. Averaging nearly 15 points a game on career 42.6% shooting from downtown in 2019-20, Harris is expected to re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Houston Rockets will have to pay up if they want to sign him, leaving sign-and-trade as possibly the only option.
Harris isn't the greatest defender out there but his effort on screens is visible and that's acceptable for the Houston Rockets who switch everything. He also averages about 6 drives a game that sits well with the team's three-or-layup ideology.
