Rockets
Could the Rockets go star-hunting this offseason? Per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the answer seems to be … well, maybe.
“The Rockets seemed aimless for several years, but the emergence of Alperen Sengun as an All-Star, Amen Thompson as a problem (for other teams), the addition of quality veterans and the hiring of head coach Ime Udoka have shifted the team’s trajectory,” Pincus wrote.
“Houston has enough ammunition to make a significant pitch for the next star player who becomes available, whether (Giannis Antetokounmpo), (Devin Booker), (Kevin Durant) or some other disgruntled difference-maker.
“Some wonder if Green is the piece the Rockets will shop to add a star. Others believe he’s grown into a higher-impact player, and prospects like Sheppard could be the key to a blockbuster deal.
“Also, look for the Rockets to opt out of VanVleet’s final year to re-sign him to a mutually beneficial new contract to help the team afford that star player under the aprons.”
Hawks
The Hawks are another team that has the flexibility and perhaps some desire to make a splash.
“Assuming the Hawks continue their relationship with Trae Young, the team has some flexibility to improve its roster while staying under the tax — though much of that could go to retaining free agents. Keeping Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, etc., would limit the team’s ability to use the large trade exception while staying within the team’s projected budget,” Pincus wrote.
“With Young, a healthy Jalen Johnson and three wings (Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher and Terance Mann), Atlanta can commit to Onyeka Okongwu as the primary center or play him off the bench while acquiring a full-time center. Perhaps the answer is keeping LeVert as another scoring wing while going after a reasonably priced center.”
Nets
D’Angelo Russell expressed a desire to return to Brooklyn, but the question remains: would the Nets be interested in bringing him back? The veteran point guard is set to enter unrestricted free agency for the first time, in a summer where available cap space is limited.
“I don’t think it’s in my control, to be honest,” Russell told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “I’ve been on the team before where everybody was free agents, too. So they’ve got the leverage, they’ve got the cards. If they decide to bring me back, cool. If not, we’ll figure it out.”
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