Houston Rockets: Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios Under NBA's New CBA

While the present doesn't look certain, the future could be very bright for the Houston Rockets.

As we enter a new era of fiscal conservatism in the NBA, being a team under the cap will have a lot of power in the coming seasons.

There will always be teams willing to overpay for guys like Tyson Chandler and Nene, however, in the coming years the middle class of free agents will become more and more dependent on teams like the Rockets to give them the best deals.

More and more teams will only be able to offer the mini-mid-level exception as they make bigs deals that force them into the tax.

With that in mind, this offseason is still in full swing. It's no secret that the Rockets could use help at the center and small forward spots.

Here are the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Rockets' potential moves as the season kicks off.

Center Best-Case Scenario: Pau Gasol

If there’s one thing we learned from the vetoed Chris Paul trade, it’s that the Lakers are willing to deal Pau Gasol and if the right deal comes along. The Rockets might have the pieces to get him.

While I don’t think the Lakers would ask for Luis Scola or Kevin Martin back, if they try to deal for Dwight Howard, they might need Houston’s assets to build a package around Andrew Bynum.

It isn’t hard to see a deal of Martin or Scola with Bynum and picks going down, with Pau going to the Rockets.

Center Worst-Case Scenario: Samuel Dalembert

However, the aforementioned trade is a long shot and with Nene signing again with the Nuggets and the Grizzlies matching the Rockets' offer for Marc Gasol, the team is running out of options at center.

After using the amnesty on Hasheem Thabeet, it seems evident that the Rockets are looking for a legitimate center and Samuel Dalembert may be the only man left.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Dalembert, it’s a given that he’ll get a nice contract this offseason as centers are at a premium.

With many of the best free agents quickly finding homes, the Rockets may have to overpay for a solid big man. I’d argue that Kris Humphries is a better player, but he doesn’t have the size of Dalembert.

Small Forward Best-Case Scenario: Richard Jefferson

While it isn’t certain that Richard Jefferson will be amnestied, though many think it is just a matter of time, the Rockets should keep an eye on Mr. Jefferson’s availability.

As many teams hand out short contracts for solid money, the Rockets might be in a great position to claim Jefferson off of waivers and sign him to a $5 million, one-year contract.

He may not be able to put up the numbers he used to, but he certainly is an upgrade at the small forward position.

Small Forward Worst-Case Scenario: Chase Budinger

Should Jefferson not become available, the Rockets may have to stick with Chase Budinger for another season.

He clearly has a bigger upside than Jefferson, but lacks any kind of consistency. Whether or not Budinger can find a good rhythm this season remains to be seen, however I would be surprised if he is the Rockets' forward of the future.

I like Budinger as a solid backup, but if the Rockets want to be considered a legitimate playoff team they’ll need a more formidable player at the small forward.

Wild-Card Best-Case Scenario: Carl Landry

It was understandable to deal Carl Landry away for Kevin Martin. Ironically, the Rockets might be in the best position to nab the productive forward.

If I were the Rockets I would jump at the opportunity to bring back Landry as he has always produced wherever he's played.

I can't quite understand why he can't find a long-term home in the league, but that should be to the Rockets' advantage as they have plenty of cap space to sign him.

If the Rockets do bring Landry back he'll be incredibly helpful, as he can come in off the bench or be a starter and contribute to the team in a big way.

Where Do the Rockets Go from Here?

For key players that come up in the coming years, teams like Houston will have much more money to offer than some of the larger-market teams that will be well over the cap.

I fully expect GM Daryl Morey to take advantage of this moving forward as he almost landed Pau Gasol, which I actually believe would've been the only way to sign Marc Gasol as well.

With the potential for such huge moves, don't expect the Rockets to stay idle for long as this year promises to be a very busy one.