Unlike 2023, when the Rockets used their significant space beneath the NBA’s salary cap to sign veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Houston will operate above the cap in the 2024 offseason.
The Rockets also have a relatively full playing rotation, particularly when considering that much of last season’s playing rotation is already under contract and newcomers Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, and AJ Griffin could all push for minutes.
So, 2024 free agency won’t be nearly as active for the Rockets as it was one year ago. In fact, they could have more departures than additions, since veterans Aaron Holiday, Reggie Bullock Jr., and Boban Marjanovic are all unrestricted free agents and without a clear path to playing time in Houston. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if some leave in search of better opportunities.
With the 2024-25 league year starting in July, external free agency negotiations opened for all teams on Sunday, June 30. Here’s a look at early rumors connected to the Rockets.
Reggie Bullock Jr. on the way out?
Rockets wing Reggie Bullock is unlikely to return to Houston, sources tell @TheAthletic. Multiple playoff teams have expressed interest in the veteran sharpshooter.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 30, 2024
Suns targeting Aaron Holiday?
Via John Gambadoro, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM:
With free agency opening up tomorrow and the Suns in need of a point guard a couple of names to keep an eye on are – Monte Morris and Aaron Holiday. Kris Dunn makes a lot of sense just not sure if he is gettable.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 29, 2024
Contract option decisions
Jock Landale, Jeff Green, and Jae’Sean Tate all appear set to have their 2024-25 contractual options picked up by the Rockets.
Deadline day: Houston Rockets contract option decisions for 2024-25 https://t.co/PFLJ0T3Fdv pic.twitter.com/uBnd5joPdi
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 30, 2024
Rockets likely to save mid-level exception for future trades
If Houston preserves its mid-level exception, the bi-annual exception — with a starting annual salary of just below $5 million — would be its most lucrative financial tool available in free agency.
Report: Rockets to save 2024 mid-level exception for future trade https://t.co/wHeWYK4Wot pic.twitter.com/EY8bwMFEeu
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 24, 2024
Rockets interested in ‘two-way veteran’
“Two-way veterans” such as Alec Burks, Talen Horton-Tucker, Gary Harris, Saddiq Bey, and Eric Gordon are potential names to watch, Kelly Iko reported on June 20 (via The Athletic).
Rockets reportedly interested in signing ‘two-way veteran’ in free agency https://t.co/T2zra8UXwq pic.twitter.com/q1UtbYuyAx
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 22, 2024
Former Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. returns to NBA
Kevin Porter Jr. has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, including a player option, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. After six weeks of strong play in Greece in April and May, Porter had multiple NBA suitors and chose the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/0R19BUW6bu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
Aaron Holiday returns to Houston
Holiday will be re-signed via Houston's Bi-Annual Exception, per source. https://t.co/Tqv5MWn7Rb
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 1, 2024
Houston to play Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels Jr. at summer league
Jermaine Samuels Jr. will also play for Houston in Vegas, sources said. https://t.co/1VIGnaJeGM
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 1, 2024
Teams interested in Reggie Bullock Jr.
Bullock has met with the Suns, Nuggets, Clippers and 76ers so far, sources said. More are expected to follow in the coming days. https://t.co/BtrPy8b6q7
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 1, 2024
