Rockets' offseason moves are over thanks to hated NBA rule

The Houston Rockets had one of the busiest summers in the NBA. Whether they like it or not, it's over. The team is over the first apron of the salary cap, so they're unable to make any meaningful additional roster moves.

Yes, the salary cap exists for a reason. It functions to disallow the teams with the highest payrolls from egregiously improving their rosters. It's meant to enforce parity.

That makes sense. It won't stop fans from complaining. These restrictions stop teams from making optimal moves. Sure, the Rockets have made a lot of moves this summer:

They could still stand to make another one.

Rockets could use backcourt depth

When the Rockets acquired Clint Capela, some people were confused. Will Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams not suffice?

Yes and no. If Adams were a safe bet to play a full season, the Rockets wouldn't need Capela. Given his health limitations, the front office seemingly felt it was necessary to guarantee they could play double big man lineups throughout the year.

That's sensible enough, but it came at the expense of additional ball-handling. Perhaps the Rockets could have used Josh Okogie's roster spot to fill that need, but they wanted to double down on perimeter size as well.

If not for the dreaded first apron, the Rockets could still be wheeling and dealing. Now, they have to match salary perfectly to make a trade, and nobody on this roster looks tradeable in exchange for a ball-handler who would make a difference. In free agency, the Rockets' Mid-Level Exception (MLE) is limited to $5 million over 2 years.

What would the Rockets do with fewer restrictions?

Rockets missing out on solid additions

Could the Rockets be in the running for Malcolm Brogdon? He's still without an NBA home. The combo guard would be a perfect addition to this roster.

How about Malik Beasley? After some controversy, he's a viable free agent. Beasley doesn't offer the same ball-handling as Brogdon, but he is among the most lethal shooters in the NBA.

Could the Rockets have gotten crazy with Bol Bol? Played it safe with Alec Burks? It doesn't matter. None of these guys will be Rockets.

Again, in theory, a salary cap in a professional sport is fair. Whether the NBA's cap is too restrictive is a matter of debate. That's not the point here:

The point is to complain. That's it. Fans will wish the Rockets could target some backcourt depth, but they'll have to enter the 2025-26 season with that deficiency instead.

Blame the first apron.