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Rockets rumors: Houston may have met with Rodney Hood

By Tevin Williams

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game four of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rodney Hood
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game four of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rodney Hood /
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The Houston Rockets may have had contract negotiations with Rodney Hood as they continue to look for new talent in free agency.

The Houston Rockets may have lost Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, but there’s another lengthy forward in their sights. According to cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, the Rockets may have met with Rodney Hood (h/t HoopsHype).

“There’s been reports of some discussions between the Kings and Rodney, and maybe the Rockets and Rodney.”

Last season, Hood struggled with the Cavs and even fell out of the rotation for part of the postseason. Yet, he still averaged a career high 14.7 points on 38.1 percent shooting from 3-point range.

On offense, Hood obviously has deep range, but he also possesses the ability to score off of the dribble. That’s a skill that former Rockets’ forwards Ariza and Mbah a Moute didn’t have.

Hood is also a very solid defender. He’s 6-foot-8 with extremely long arms and he has the lateral quickness to stay in front of guards too.

At just 25 years old, Hood has yet to enter in prime. He’s a guy that can already score at will, but he’s going to continue to get better in the years ahead. That would likely make Hood a big part of Houston’s future plans, but it also makes him more expensive.

Rodney Hood is a restricted free agent, so the Cavaliers can match any offer sheet he receives. According to Joe Vardon, Hood is a big part of the Cavs’ future plans, so they want to bring him back next season.

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The Rockets can offer Rodney Hood their $5.3 million exception, but he can almost certainly get more from another team. Also, the Rockets are reportedly determined to acquire Carmelo Anthony once he becomes free from Oklahoma City. Could Houston convince Hood and Anthony to split the mid-level exception? Probably not.

Rodney Hood would be an amazing addition to the Rockets. He’s one of the only remaining free agents that can perfectly fit the 3-and-D role at forward. But Houston’s limited cap room and the fact that Hood is a restricted free agent makes it unlikely that he joins the Rockets this summer.