Houston Rockets, NBA Free Agency

3 must-have free agents for the Houston Rockets this offseason

Apr 18, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) against the Phoenix Suns during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As they look to improve this offseason, here are three must-have free agents for the Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets will enter the 2023 offseason in a power position. Armed with the fourth overall pick and a league-high $48 million in cap space, they are in a prime position to upgrade their roster.

On the free agent market, Houston has a distinct advantage. They have over $35 million more in cap space than the next-highest team (Indiana Pacers). The Rockets could potentially open up approximately $17 million in additional cap space by renouncing cap holds and declining team options, per Spotrac.

Additionally, teams could show hesitancy to hand out large contracts with a stricter CBA incoming. So, some contenders could let impactful players walk in free agency, which would give the Rockets more options.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at three ideal free-agent targets for the Rockets this offseason.

Must-have free agents for the Houston Rockets: 3. C Mason Plumlee

Plumlee is not the flashiest player, but he would immediately make the team better.

The Rockets have two talented, undersized centers in Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba. Sengun is known for his offensive ability. He is an exceptional post-scorer and playmaker. However, he is not a standout defender. He does not have the speed to keep up with guards and wings on the perimeter, and he is still developing as a rim protector. Meanwhile, Garuba is better suited to play the “power forward role”. Last season, the 6’8″ big man shot 40.7 percent from 3 and was second on the team in steal percentage (2.2).

The Rockets need a traditional center on the roster. Plumlee is a solid interior defender. Last season, opposing players shot 2.4 percent worse from less than six feet with Plumlee as the primary defender. During the playoffs, he was outstanding against the Phoenix Suns, posting a Bos Plus-Minus of +7.6. In Game 5, he scored 20 points (6-7 FG, 8-9 FT) along with 10 rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

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