Rockets may have masterplan with superstar acquisitions in mind

The Houston Rockets made a blockbuster acquisition this summer by trading for Kevin Durant. The team may be preparing to make another blockbuster acquisition in a star-studded 2027 NBA Free Agency class.

For some fans, it's hard to think that far ahead. Fair enough - but rest assured, the team's brass is. They've got a five year plan with contigencies laid out. The Rockets are aware of every possibility, and they're readying themselves for whatever happens.

In the summer of 2027, there's a lot that could happen.

Rockets preparing for star studded free agency class

The Hoop Collective's Brian Windhorst thinks the Rockets might have that class in mind.

“Watch how the way the Rockets have handled their business this summer. They have handled their business to maximize cap space in 2027. So you look at Fred VanVleet’s contract, he has a player option but he’s up in 2027. He is off the books in 2027. Dorian Finney-Smith non-guaranteed in 2027".

-Brian Windhorst, The Hoop Collective

That's interesting. The class is certainly not light on star power. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis all have player options. Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler will be unrestricted free agents. This projects to be one of the best free agency classes the NBA has seen in some time.

Is there any chance the Rockets land any of them?

Rockets can't count on star free agents

Sure, there's a chance - but it's an awfully slim one.

Astute NBA observers will tell you that star free agency is dying. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) allows those players' incumbent teams to offer them more money than the Rockets can. It's likely that all these guys will be secured on long-term deals before they even hit free agency.

That's fine. Remember what we said about contigency plans? The Rockets need to be ready for whatever happens. Preserving cap space ahead of what might be an elite free agency class is prudent:

To a point.

Rockets must prioritize current talent

Building opt-outs into VanVleet and Finney-Smith's deals makes sense. Shorting Tari Eason for a (very) remote chance at Nikola Jokic would be shortsighted.

He's due for an extension soon. Amen Thompson will be eligible for one before this free agency class. The Rockets need to prioritize the guys who are already on their roster.

So, they can have the summer of 2027 circled on their calenders. They still need to know where their priorities lie first. Even if Windhorst is right, the Rockets must extend Thompson and Eason, even if that comes at the cost of that 2027 class.

Sometimes, the smaller, sensible move is better than the blockbuster.