1 free agent Rockets must sign to fill last roster spot

The Houston Rockets have had arguably the best offseason in the NBA. They could make it even better by signing Gary Payton II.

They traded for Kevin Durant, signed Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, and made sure their own guys got paid. The team re-signed all of Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green. Signing Gary Payton II would be the cherry on top of an already great offseason.

The Rockets still have one open roster spot, and although Houston's current roster seems primed to compete for the championship, NBA teams should never stop making moves that can help out. Payton would be the perfect fit for a championship push, and considering he is still available on the open market late into free agency, he could likely be had for cheap.

The Rockets should sign free agent Gary Payton II

Nobody would blame the Rockets if they stopped making flashy moves. The aforementioned Durant trade was the largest deal in NBA history in terms of teams involved, and it brings one of the best NBA players ever into the fold in Houston. Furthermore, the signings of Capela and Finney-Smith bring much-needed skill sets into important roles for the Rockets. Capela is an elite play-finisher, and Finney-Smith will replace Dillon Brooks as Houston's 3-and-D aficionado.

The Rockets earned the two-seed in a stacked Western Conference last season. These additions firmly plant them in the title picture. However, they were bested by a veteran Golden State Warriors team last year. Payton just so happened to play for that Warriors team.

He'd bring a championship pedigree to Houston that would be beneficial to a team that is still so young. Durant, VanVleet, Capela, and Adams have certainly been around the block. Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard are still young players in this league, though.

Sheppard, in particular, has limited experience contributing at a high level. The Kentucky product was the number three overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he spent most of his rookie season glued to the bench. The Rockets have high hopes for what he can become, especially because he put up big numbers in the G-League last year.

However, relying on such an unproven player when trying to make a title push is a risky proposition. Payton wouldn't have to take minutes away from Sheppard if he starts to reach his potential by next season, but the son of a Hall of Famer and long-time Seattle SuperSonics legend could fill backcourt minutes if Sheppard proves untrustworthy.

Payton is a unique guard and would bring something to Houston that they don't have on their roster. Despite being just 6-foot-2, Payton spends a lot of his time in the dunker spot awaiting dump-off passes. He'd thrive in this role with Sengun passing him the ball because the big man is one of the most talented passing centers in league history.

Payton can also knock down 3-point shots and thrive as a cutter. Perhaps most importantly, though, he'd provide an influx of point-of-attack defense that was lost when Brooks was traded. Houston has become a hot spot for free agents to sign with right now. Payton is one of the best players still on the open market, and it makes too much sense for him and the Rockets to agree to a contract.