1 Player the Rockets must target with their Mid-Level Exception

The Houston Rockets may have the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) available this summer. They may not. Who knows what this team may do?

It's been a theme for this organization. There's always uncertainty surrounding the Rockets. For a long time, we wondered whether they'd trade for a star player. Now that Kevin Durant is a Rocket, that question is answered.

What's next for Fred VanVleet? That's the ongoing question. The MLE is a related concern. If the Rockets accept VanVleet's team option, they won't have the MLE available. Keep that caveat in mind as you read this article. Now, let's assume the Rockets re-work VanVleet's deal and do have the MLE:

There's one player they've got to use it on if possible.

Rockets must target this versatile guard

What do the Rockets need?

Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are gone. That's the Rockets starting off-guard and another player who can man the 2. So, a player at that position seems like a sensible starting point.

The team will be relying on Durant, Alperen Sengun, and (to a lesser extent) Amen Thompson to create offense. Any additional playmaking would be a positive, but it would be a luxury. Above all else, the Rockets need a 2 who can reliably fix the floor and defend.

How about Nickeil Alexander-Walker?

He shot 38.1% from long range for the Timberwolves in 2024-25. Alexander-Walker has also proven to be a stalwart defender. He's a good player:

But the Wolves may not be able to keep him.

Rockets must capitalize on rivals' challenges

The Timberwolves could have a messy summer coming up. Alexander-Walker isn't their only player set to hit free agency - or even their most important.

The Wolves will likely retain Naz Reid at all costs. With an already expensive roster, that should leave them without room for Alexander-Walker on the cap sheet. That's why the Rockets should pounce if he hits the open market.

After all, the league is generally cap-strapped right now. Only the Nets have substantial space. Unless they plan on making Alexander-Walker an offer he can't refuse, the MLE is as much as he's likely to make next year.

Why not join a Rockets team that just acquired Durant after winning 52 games? The fact that the team needs him could appeal to Alexander-Walker as well. This could be a perfect marriage between player and team:

What more could you ask for with the MLE?