5 buyout options for the Rockets

The NBA trade deadline came and went, and it turned out to be quieter than expected. Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray stayed with the Hawks and Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine stayed in Chicago (due, in large part, to injury), while Charlotte Hornets star forward Miles Bridges also remained with the Hornets.

The Rockets were expected to be one of the more active teams at the deadline, but ultimately kept their roster intact for the back half of the season (although they shipped off three second-round picks for Steven Adams, who won't be able to contribute this season). Although fans wanted to see more movement and activity, it's not the end of the world, as the buyout market could be fruitful for Rockets GM Rafael Stone.

Let's take a look at several options for the Rockets on the buyout market.

5. Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari is a 3-point specialist, as he’s made 38.2 percent of his long-range attempts. Although the 35-year-old had a bit of a regression in 2022-23 (35.5 percent on 2.4 attempts), he’s bounced back in a major way in 2023-24, to the tune of 58.3 percent from long-range (two attempts).

Gallinari could provide a steady scoring spark off the Rockets’ bench and give Rockets coach Ime Udoka a proven shooter. And fortunately for the Rockets, Gallo likely won’t have a robust market, since there are so many younger, better options on the buyout market.