4 Free agents the Houston Rockets should avoid at all costs this summer

3. D'Angelo Russell

On the other hand, Russell is coming off of a fantastic season. He averaged 18.0 points and 7.0 assists while shooting 41.5% from long-range in 2023-24. What's not to love?

Well, he's likely to command a hefty sum. The Rockets could indeed use a floor-spacing guard who can provide some playmaking. They don't need to break the bank on someone as good as Russell.

Russell is ball-dominant. He prefers to operate in the pick-and-roll. The Rockets already have a similar player in Fred VanVleet. He offers the same low-turnover, pick-and-roll dominant offensive skillset.

How much more should the Rockets block Amen Thompson's path to ball-handling reps? If they're going to add a big-name guard, they should be looking at combo guards who are comfortable without the rock. As good as Russell is, he's the wrong guy for the Rockets.