KJ Martin, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher, and TyTy Washington are on the way out. Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jock Landale, and Patty Mills are reportedly on the way in, though it appears Mills could soon be rerouted to another team.
It’s been a wild start to 2023 free agency for the Rockets, who are simultaneously spending their NBA-leading figure in financial space below the 2023-24 salary cap while also sending out numerous players for reasons related to either cap finances or roster-crunch considerations. Keep in mind that Houston also has newly drafted rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to make room for, too.
Based on experience, pedigree, and draft status, Houston’s new-look starting lineup seems likely to feature VanVleet, Jalen Green, Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Key reserves could include Kevin Porter Jr., Thompson, Tari Eason, and Jae’Sean Tate.
Landale and Green should figure into the backup center mix for new head coach Ime Udoka, as well, particularly after being spurned by veteran center Brook Lopez. Ultimately, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone landed two of his three preferred free agency targets, with VanVleet and Brooks coming but Lopez staying put.
As of Saturday night, July 1, here’s where things appear to stand, along with a roundup of all the transaction agreements to date.