We’re going to hear a lot about the Houston Rockets and their plans to improve this summer. Not only do they boast the fourth and 20th picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Rockets also project to have the most salary cap space in basketball this offseason, with nearly $60 million available to spend.
With Ime Udoka taking over head coaching duties, the Rockets have plans to be much better than last year’s 22-60 team that finished 14th in the Western Conference. While some of that progression is expected to come from within, not only from the coaching change but also from their deep stable of young talent led by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr.
Yet, the Rockets also need to find some veterans who can help teach the younger players how to be more consistent from game to game. As previously reported, the Rockets are said to be prioritizing James Harden this offseason, but if their dreams don’t become reality, there’s another target Houston has in mind.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Rockets “are expected to have interest” in Los Angeles Lakers restricted free agent Austin Reaves. At 25 years old, Reaves may not qualify as the experienced veteran the Rockets could use, but he’s a talented sharpshooter who may still have room for further development.
It’s possible the Rockets envision the former undrafted signee taking another step forward under coach Udoka in Houston, but since the Lakers have the rights to match any offer Reaves receives, inking him to a contract may not come easily. Then again, the Rockets have money to burn this offseason, whereas the Lakers, do not. That could end up being the difference at the negotiation table, seeing just how high L.A. is willing to go to retain their rising star.
Related: Top 2023 NBA free agents: Best 100 available with positional breakdowns