Rockets Rumors: Rounding Up Buzz on Kevin Love, Corey Brewer and More
After a quality draft class and with what looks like a contending roster still in place, don't expect the Houston Rockets to sit around and do nothing over the course of the next few months.
No, the Rockets, even with Dwight Howard, James Harden and rookies Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell in tow, look like one of the major players when it comes to the approaching free-agency period.
There's a fine cap line the front office in Houston will need to walk, of course, but it's important to keep a close eye on the Rockets—based on rumblings and past bold moves, they are a sleeper team to wreak havoc soon.
Stealing One from the Warriors?
When push comes to shove, there's no doubt the Rockets would like to swipe a player or two from the Golden State Warriors if given the opportunity.
One player available on the market, at least in a restricted sense, is forward Draymond Green. According to Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears, the Rockets will show an interest: "The Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets are also expected to be among the teams interested in Green, a source said."
As they should.
Green is just 25 years old and coming off of a breakout season in which he averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Even better, he's one of those rare lockdown defenders teams don't just up and find often, so he's smart to see what the market offers him.
It's hard to imagine the Rockets will be able to rip Green away from the Warriors, but at the same time, the champions might be inclined to do whatever it takes to keep the core of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in place down the road.
If so, the Rockets can upgrade on Terrence Jones and others, or at least make the rotation much deeper.
Corey Brewer's Future
In a rather quiet manner, veteran Corey Brewer was one of Houston's most consistent options off the bench after arriving via trade in December.
In 56 appearances he averaged 11.9 points per game, adding 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for good measure.
Despite his bench role just a few seasons removed from being a full-time starter with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brewer sounds open to the idea of a return, per Spears:
Brewer remains a versatile presence the Rockets could use off the bench, although it's important to remember the roster still features Trevor Ariza and K.J. McDaniels, not to mention the rookie Dekker, who might have enough to contribute right out of the gates.
There's no such thing as too much quality depth, though (just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers), so long as it doesn't impede a team's ability to upgrade elsewhere.
Which, going off of this last rumbling, might be something to monitor.
The Big Fish
Again, the Rockets might want to play the spoiler.
While it seems obvious that free agents Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge will have heavy markets this summer, Houston remained one of the teams off the radar thanks to its cap space and the presence of two big-name players on the roster already.
Until now. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Rockets are on the hunt for ways to work something out:
A Harden-Love-Howard or Harden-Aldridge-Howard look would work wonders for the Rockets, but one has to wonder if it could ever come to fruition. It would mean sacrifice, perhaps even rookies, to clear the books.
It would also mean Love goes back on his word, meaning he leaves Cleveland. Or it would buck the notion the Dallas Mavericks or San Antonio Spurs are the favorite in his preferred state.
Aldridge seems the more likely of the two, and it's fun to think about because he wouldn't have to shoulder the scoring load, nor would he have to worry much about the defensive side of things so long as Howard returns to good form.
Like always, it seems general manager Daryl Morey has the Rockets right in the thick of things, where he's most comfortable. Should he pull off a stunning feat, nobody can criticize his offseason approach.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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