4 Free agents the Rockets must attempt to buy low on this offseason

Houston Rockets fans looking for the team to make waves this summer may be sorely disappointed.

Some have their eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Others salivate over a potential buy-low Kevin Durant opportunity. To hear Rafael Stone tell it, the Rockets won't be going after either:

They won't be going after anybody.

That's a reasonable course of action. Now that the smoke has cleared on a first-round exit against a bitter rival, everyone should concede that the Rockets had a great 2024-25 season. Parting with one of their young players to cash in on an aging star isn't necessary.

That said, some marginal moves could be prudent. The Rockets still need an injection of shooting.

Here are 4 free agents who could provide it, and should be affordable.

1. Gary Harris

Harris's role with the Magic was considerably smaller in 2024-25 than it was in 2023-24. His minutes per game dropped from 24.0 to 14.8.

Perhaps that correlates with his waning three-point accuracy. Harris shot 35.6% from deep this year after connecting on 37.1% in 2023-24. That's the difference between a strong mark and a relatively weak one.

That's fine. Three-point shooting tends to be volatile. Harris is a career 36.9% three-point shooter, and that includes a woeful 20.4% mark as a rookie. He's had down years before, and he's invariably bounced back.

The Rockets should see if he can do it again with them. Beyond shooting, Harris is a solid defender who won't take on-ball reps away from the team's young core. He'd be a perfect low-maintenance veteran to add to this roster.

2. Lonnie Walker IV

By contrast, Walker IV has a reputation as a poor defender. That likely accounts for him bouncing in and out of the league for years despite being an impressive athlete with a good jumper.

Sounds like a perfect Ime Udoka reclamation project.

Walker IV has the athletic tools to defend well. Udoka could light the fire under him that forces him to use them. As of now, he should be affordable given his reputation. It's also worth noting that Walker IV shot 35.4% from deep last year. That's on a large 6.4 attempt per game volume, but it's still a subpar mark.

That said, he hit 38.4% of 4.7 attempts per game for the Nets in 2023-24. If the price is right on Walker IV, he's someone the Rockets should be looking at this summer.

3. Dante Exum

Astute Rockets fans will remember that Exum had a cup of coffee with the Rockets before. He was part of the James Harden trade that was the catalyst for the current era of Rockets basketball.

He didn't play a game with them.

At that time, Exum was a failed point guard who was viewed as a lottery bust. Now, he's reinvented himself as a 3-and-D wing. Exum has eclipsed 40% from long range in each of his last two seasons.

Unfortunately, he didn't get an opportunity to shoot many 3s this year. Exum was limited to 20 games due to an injury. That's the only reason he might be available at a low cost this summer.

If he is, the Rockets should give him a real opportunity to join the squad.

4. Chris Paul

Even the most casual Rockets fan remembers Paul's time with the organization. For many Rockets fans, he was part of the best era of the team they can remember.

That's why this is a long shot. Paul's exit from the Rockets was contentious. There was bad blood between him and owner Tilman Fertitta, and there may still be.

Moreover, Paul is different from every other player on this list. He's a ball-handler. Arguably, he'd step on Reed Sheppard's toes too prominently for the Rockets to consider reuniting with him.

Here's an alternate view: Paul would be the best possible mentor for Sheppard. Moreover, they're both capable enough shooters to share a backcourt for spells. The Rockets should be looking to transition Sheppard into a primary backup role next year, but they could mix and match this pair of point guards.

Even if that's the biggest move they make all summer.