The Rockets are likely to make an attempt at re-signing veteran big man Jeff Green once the NBA’s 2020 free agency period opens on Friday, per longtime beat writer Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
“Among their own free agents, the Rockets are expected to seek to bring back center/forward Jeff Green,” Feigen writes.
Green averaged 12.2 points (56.4% FG) and 2.9 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game with the Rockets last season. He frequently played at center in Mike D’Antoni’s smaller lineups, though if retained, he could also be an option at power forward if new coach Stephen Silas opts to play bigger.
Because Green has only played in Houston for one season, the Rockets do not have any Bird or “Early Bird” rights to retain him. Effectively, they will be on a level financial playing field with other contenders, some of whom are expected to show interest in the 34-year-old.
Though Houston is above the league’s salary cap, the Rockets do have various exceptions that could theoretically be used on Green (as do other teams). However, using one of those (or part) on Green could be prohibitive to the team’s chances at luring any external upgrades. As such, the Rockets could be hoping to sign him at the minimum salary.
Before Houston signed Green to a one-year minimum contract in late February, the 6-foot-8 big man was left unsigned by any team for almost two months. What remains to be seen is whether Green’s performance late in the season (including the playoffs) turned enough heads to lift his value from being unsigned for weeks to potentially getting large offers. The answer could come once free agency opens at 5:00 p.m. Central.
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Rockets prepare for crucial free agent shopping with extra cash to spend https://t.co/KAszCFMHIh
— Texas Sports Nation (@ChronTXSN) November 20, 2020