NBA Rumors: Rockets 'Strong Contenders' to Sign Both Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets have one of the youngest teams in the league, but they're reportedly eyeing a pair of veterans this offseason.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "there have been equally compelling signals that the Rockets will be strong contenders to sign both" Memphis Grizzlies swingman Dillon Brooks and Toronto Raptors star point guard Fred VanVleet when free agency opens on Friday.

VanVleet declined the $22.8 million option on his contract to test free agency, and it doesn't sound like it will be easy for the Raptors to try to hold onto him.

"Sources say that the Raptors realize it will likely require an annual salary of at least $30 million (and possibly higher) to secure VanVleet's return," Stein stated.

The Rockets, however, "are said to be ready to go to such lengths to sign away" VanVleet if they miss out on James Harden, who is reportedly leaning toward returning to the Philadelphia 76ers despite rumors that he was potentially heading back to Houston this offseason.

As for Brooks, it was reported last month by ESPN's Tim MacMahon that the Grizzlies "do not intend to re-sign" him in free agency this year. While he earned an All-Defensive second-team selection this season, he also developed a reputation for being one of the league's biggest villains. His lackluster performance in the postseason also likely swayed Memphis' decision.

However, the Rockets are reportedly undeterred and will pursue Brooks more aggressively than any other team.

"The Rockets' interest in Brooks, meanwhile, appears to be even more clear-cut, with one league source insisting Monday that Houston should be labeled as the favorite to sign the talkative swingman whose playoff struggles and the team tension they spawned swiftly prompted the Memphis Grizzlies to move on from him," Stein wrote.

Houston, which has missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, will need some experienced players on its roster if it hopes to get past its ongoing rebuild.

The Rockets have some talented players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and 2023 No. 4 pick Amen Thompson, so it will be imperative to add the right pieces around them if they want to be competitive next season.