Houston Rockets: 9 Veteran free agent targets with ties to James Harden

Veteran FA targets for Houston Rockets: Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers is an old friend that could perhaps be of interest to the Houston Rockets this offseason. Rivers spent two seasons (2018-20) with the Rockets, playing alongside James Harden, and could add some veteran flavor to the team's backcourt this offseason. Rivers is somehow just 30 years old and could be looking for some familiarity at his next stop.

Rivers struggled to carve out a defined role as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves this past season, averaging just five points on 44 percent shooting from the field in less than 20 minutes per contest. The addition of Harden could make for an already loaded backcourt, especially under the assumption that Houston will add another guard with their top 5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but there is value in adding a well-seasoned player such as Rivers.

Despite the talent that the Rockets already have in the backcourt, It'd be fairly surprising if they didn't at least explore the possibility of adding a veteran (in addition to Harden) to the mix. Maybe Rivers is the right fit.