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Free agency: Thanks to DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets must now get another All-Star

By Michael Knight

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 11: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket defended by Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on December 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 11: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket defended by Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on December 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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The worst possible scenario has happened. Somehow, someway, the Warriors have signed yet another All-Star.

The NBA world is in shock as the news came out that DeMarcus Cousins has signed with the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets are now in a position where they have to do something to make this league competitive.

The Rockets were one good half away from dethroning the Warriors last season and this year was expected to be another battle against them. This news is depressing and means that somehow, Houston has to get even better.

The Rockets must find a way to get another star onto the roster. This will be a very tough task as stars have already committed to teams and another DeAndre Jordan-like situation with Dallas is something that probably won’t happen.

Morey and the rest of the front office have to figure out a way, though. Let’s look at the situation the Rockets are now in going into the 2018-19 season.

What now?

Many people are counting this season as already over. While that could very well be the case, with the Warriors now having five, yes, five All-Stars, but the Rockets are a team that will never give in or give up.

Houston was one of the teams that heard the news of Kevin Durant going to Golden State and set out to take them down, not survive the storm. They managed to get closer than anyone else could and almost pulled it off.

Daryl Morey will instantly get to work to bring another star here. The salary cap will be tough to maneuver around, but he is an expert at it so I trust him. There are some stars that will be available through trades, so prepare for Houston to be involved in those. We’ll get into who the Rockets can trade for in another article tomorrow.

Clint Capela

Clint Capela must be re-signed. There isn’t really a question of it not happening, so there’s no need to worry there. Hopefully, he can take a bit of a pay cut from what he deserves so that the Rockets can sign other players.

Speaking of Capela, he’ll need to get even better. In a potential Western Conference Finals matchup, he now will be going up against DeMarcus Cousins. He’s taken a step up in every season, he’s gotta be an All-Star next season for the Rockets to be competitive.

Bench

The bench now should be even weaker for Golden State. This is negated by the fact that they have five All-Stars, but it’s one place where the Rockets can find an advantage. Re-signing Luc Mbah a Moute and getting him to full health will be huge if Houston wants to beat this super-duper team.

Next: Should the Rockets try to trade for Kevin Love?

We gotta hope for the best, Rockets fans. Trust in the front office to keep this team in the Finals picture. It’s gonna be an interesting rest of the offseason.