The problem is with timing. The Rockets have spent years retooling the roster to have the cap space they would have this summer. It is not likely to be filled with a max-contract free agent, but could be extremely valuable in a trade for the kind of star player the Rockets have lacked.
That kind of deal does not come quickly. Free agent decisions will likely move much faster. The Rockets would have to decide whether to keep that space or fill it with Dragic and Courtney Lee.
A good case could be made for bringing back the free agent guards, especially the way the Rockets are coming together and both are playing. But the Rockets would have to decide that they can live longer without that signature star. It’s still possible to make such a huge trade with the trade pieces they have, but it’s tougher when teams might only make that move to cut costs before the heavier luxury taxes kick in.
That kind of deal is far from a sure thing – or even likely – in either circumstance, but if it is difficult with loads of cap space, it is brutally tough without it, as the Rockets have seen the past two seasons of coming close but coming up short.
All things considered, the Rockets should give themselves until the free-agent signing date to make that kind of deal. If they can’t by then, keep what they have and keep trying.
First, this team as currently composed is not a title contender. Don’t let this recent hot streak fool you. Having said that, if the pursuit of a star means sacrificing one of Courtney Lee or Goran Dragic, count me out. That small hope of a blockbuster–the one the team has been clinging to for several years–is not worth sacrificing a member of its core without compensation.
I’ve discussed trading Kyle Lowry. In that scenario, the team would receive return of his value. Losing Lee or Dragic, just for hope and chance, is a different case.
