X user alleviates one massive concern for Houston Rockets fans

The Houston Rockets are a collection of moving pieces.

That's not to say that the pieces (the players) need to be moved. If they want, the Rockets can keep this group together for a few more years with careful maneuvering. Those maneuvers are the moving pieces. It will require finesse. Rafael Stone's ingenuity will be tested as he puts the final touches on this roster.

His first big test is already upon him. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are both eligible for contract extensions. If Stone declines to extend either, they'll hit Restricted Free Agency next summer.

Is that a big deal?

Rockets fans should rest easily

X user Chris White gave us one reason to worry a bit less.

He pointed out that the market for either player may be tepid next summer. White is citing cap wizard Bobby Marks of ESPN.

"ESPN is projecting ONLY the Brooklyn Nets to have more than $30 million in room next July."
-Bobby Marks, ESPN

White puts the pieces together. If there won't be a team with enough cap space even to offer one of these guys a rookie scale max, why should the Rockets rush to extend either?

In a worst-case scenario, the Nets could offer Green $30 million. If he doesn't have a strong 2024-25 season, that will be an above-market price. So, Brooklyn would put the Rockets' back against the wall - either they offer Green an above-market deal, or they let him join the Nets.

Still, that's just one team. If the Nets don't want Green, the Rockets are likely in the clear. Several teams could offer Green as much as $25 million, but that's inconsequential - the Rockets should be glad to retain him at that cost.

As for Sengun, the Rockets would have extended him yesterday if it made sense. If they decline Fred VanVleet's team option and let Green walk next summer, they can open up another max contract slot. In that event, they'd be the most cap-rich team in the NBA next summer.

They may look to pair Sengun with a superstar. That could mean signing and trading Green. On the other hand, it makes sense to keep options open in the end that Green has a breakout season in Year 4.

Are the Rockets worry-free?

The Rockets have tough decisions to make

That would be an overstatement.

Sengun has earned a max rookie scale extension. Does the team risk alienating him by hesitating to pay him?

Say Green is disappointing (again) in 2024-25. Do the Rockets move him at the deadline? Do they pay him anyway? How much are they willing to pay for potential when the player in question hasn't delivered in four seasons?

These are all valid concerns. Still, the sky is not falling. Sengun seems like a mature kid who likely understands the financial implications of waiting to extend him. As for Green, he'll either earn a lucrative deal or he probably won't receive one. The market for his services will be minuscule with so many teams cap-strapped. Don't thank us for pointing that out:

Thank Mr. Chris White.