Houston Rockets: 2025 Offseason Priorities and Salary Cap Dynamics
I look at what potential extensions for Jabari Smith and Tari Eason could look like, a restructured contract for Fred VanVleet, and when they could consolidate for an All-Star.
The Houston Rockets made a significant risk in entering a full-scale rebuild. It seemed shaky initially, with no clear cornerstone in the first few drafts. That’s why the general public was surprised when they went out and signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in free agency to make a playoff push. It didn’t seem like they were prepared to make that step.
It turns out they drafted well all along and just needed some tough veterans and the right head coach to get this team playing organized and winning basketball. They’ve exceeded expectations in the last two seasons and are better equipped than most teams to reach true contention. And they may have come out of the rebuild with a star in Amen Thompson.
Ben DuBose joined the podcast a couple of weeks ago to discuss the Rockets and their upcoming offseason. We reflected on their past two seasons and how they positioned themselves to make a major trade. It’s a good companion piece for this preview, which focuses on their salary cap dynamics. In particular, what potential extensions for Jabari Smith and Tari Eason could look like, what a restructured contract for Fred VanVleet could look like, and when they will need to start consolidating the roster, ideally for a star player.
Third Apron is having a 20% off sale for annual subscriptions to celebrate. That’s $40 for a year’s access to the best NBA salary cap and transaction analysis newsletter.
If you’re a free subscriber, now is the best time to take advantage of this offer. It is the busiest time of year for cap content, at a discounted rate.