Rockets Rumors: Ryan Anderson Agrees to Partially Guaranteed Contract

Kyle Newport @@KyleNewportFeatured ColumnistSeptember 25, 2019

Houston Rockets' Ryan Anderson plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of Game 4 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Monday, April 23, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Veteran forward Ryan Anderson has agreed to a "significantly partially guaranteed deal" to return to the Houston Rockets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Anderson previously played for Houston from 2016 to 2018. During his previous stint with the Rockets, he averaged 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds while logging 27.8 minutes per game.

He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in Aug. 2018 along with De'Anthony Melton in exchange for forward Marquese Chriss and guard Brandon Knight. He wound up playing in 15 games for the Suns before finishing the season with the Miami Heat.

Overall in 2018-19, Anderson averaged 2.5 points and 2.2 rebounds while seeing 12.9 minutes per game.

The 31-year-old was waived by Miami on July 6.

Houston has spent the offseason reshaping its as it looks to finally get over the hump. It has replaced Chris Paul with Russell Westbrook. It has signed veterans Tyson Chandler and Thabo Sefolosha. Add Anderson to the list as another fresh—though familiar—face.

Per Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic, Anderson should have the opportunity to compete for minutes at the four:

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Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Yes, this is the "old face" that I was referring to a few weeks ago. Ryan Anderson will have a chance to earn minutes as a back-up PF for the #Rockets https://t.co/2yQhsGDpeK

Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
The #Rockets reached out to both Luc Mbah A Moute and Ryan Anderson this offseason. Anderson will be the "old face" who has a shot at earning a spot on the roster. https://t.co/L22DbRIFbn

As Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports noted, though, Houston will have to make room on the roster to officially add Anderson:

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The Rockets will have to waive a player (or not officially sign Jaron Blossomgame) to sign Ryan Anderson. With Blossomgame, they are at the offseason max of 20 players.

Once official, head coach Mike D'Antoni will have more depth at his disposal.