The Houston Rockets could pursue Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela, Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner and Washington Wizards power forward Kristaps Porzingis this offseason, according to NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Iko, who covers the Rockets as a credentialed beat reporter, told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that Houston really wants to sign Milwaukee Bucks star Brook Lopez.
However, Capela, Turner and Porzingis are the Rockets’ succession plans.
“I think it’s closer to a pipe dream because the Bucks have expressed an intent to re-sign him,” Iko said. “He makes a lot of sense for that core. The Rockets understand this reality. Houston may not be the most attractive place for Brook if he’s trying to compare the level of contention and long-term security. That’s why the Rockets have several succession plans.
“For example, if Lopez re-signed with Milwaukee, they’d pivot to guys like Clint Capela, Myles Turner, or Kristaps Porzingis. The same goes for their wing targets. They love Cam Johnson, but he’s restricted, and so is Reaves. If the Nets and Lakers are bent on keeping Johnson and Reaves, they have other names in mind, like Dillon Brooks, Josh Hart, and Kelly Oubre.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Houston Rockets, Myles Turner, Clint Capela & Kristaps Porzingis Updates
The Rockets have the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and over $60 million in cap space. They are primed to make some big moves this offseason.
Capela and Turner are under contract, so the Rockets would have to trade for one of them, but Porzingis can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Wizards, a move he’s expected to do.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Houston Rockets, Myles Turner, Clint Capela & Kristaps Porzingis Updates
The Rockets won only 22 games in 2022-23. Their roster is headlined by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. It will be fascinating to see if Houston can get a star or two this offseason to accelerate its rebuild.
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