KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher, and TyTy Washington are on the way out. Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jock Landale, and Patty Mills are reportedly on the way in, although it appears Mills could soon be rerouted to another team.
It’s been a wild start to 2023 free agency for the Rockets, who are simultaneously spending their NBA-leading figure in financial space below the 2023-24 salary cap while also sending out numerous players for reasons related to either cap finances or roster-crunch considerations . Keep in mind that Houston also has newly drafted rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to make room for, too.
Based on experience, pedigree, and draft status, Houston’s new-look starting lineup seems likely to feature VanVleet, Jalen Green, Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Key reserves could include Kevin Porter Jr., Thompson, Tari Eason, and Jae’Sean Tate.
Landale and Green should figure into the backup center mix for new head coach Ime Udoka, as well, particularly after being spurned by veteran center Brook Lopez. Ultimately, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone landed two of his three preferred free agency targets, with VanVleet and Brooks coming but Lopez staying put.
As of Saturday night, July 1, here’s where things appear to stand, along with a roundup of all the transaction agreements to date.
Potential Rockets lineup, depth chart as of July 1
Rockets, Fred VanVleet strike deal
Fred VanVleet’s third contract year is a team option
Brook Lopez spurns Rockets, stays in Milwaukee
Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher traded to Atlanta for salary cap flexibility
The Rockets signed Dillon Brooks to a four-year, $80-million deal
Rockets sign Jock Landale, trade for Patty Mills
Rockets trade Josh Christopher to Memphis
Rockets trade KJ Martin to Clippers
Rockets sign NBA veteran Jeff Green
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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire