3 “What-if” targets for the Houston Rockets this offseason

With the Houston Rockets strapped for cash, clearing up cap space will be helpful, as it could hold the key to the Rockets adding quality players.

We’ve all heard the “what if” scenario, and opinions vary on whether such a school of thought should exist. This is especially the case for the Houston Rockets, as they can create a number of possibilities, so long as they are able to free up salary cap space.

The reasoning behind the “what if” scenario is that because of the limited resources the Rockets have for the offseason, due to Russell Westbrook making more than $171 million over the next four seasons ($42.8 million annually), the Rockets’ budget is tight. The Rockets’ projected salary cap for 2020-21 is $115 million, but the luxury tax threshold is set at $132.6 million.

Sadly, for the Rockets, team owner Tilman Fertitta will not surpass that threshold. For the Rockets to bring in some hopefuls, players like Westbrook, James Harden, and/or Eric Gordon must be moved. Hopefully, the Rockets find a way to keep Harden, and instead trade Gordon or Westbrook.

If a Westbrook or Gordon trade happens, plenty of space will be freed up, meaning Rockets GM Daryl Morey could talk to Serge Ibaka or Danilo Gallinari, and look to trade for another big piece. But the Rockets should look for a head coach first, so they have an idea on new players, including the system.

Harden said the Rockets are a piece away after a tough series loss versus the Los Angeles Lakers, and hopefully the names mentioned below are an eye-opener for the Rockets fanbase.

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