The Houston Rockets are exploring the idea of making some major changes following this year’s postseason disappointment.
The Rockets won 53 games in the regular season compared to 65 the year before — their worst mark in three seasons under Mike D’Antoni. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games in the playoffs, one fewer game than the year before, and it came despite Kevin Durant getting hurt in Game 5 of the series. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets were making everyone available in trade talks.
The New York Times’ Marc Stein said the Rockets have been shopping Clint Capela.
Clint Capela is among the players Houston has gauged the market for in recent days, league sources https://t.co/w6H91QzpdD
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 29, 2019
This is surprising given how much the Rockets prioritizing re-signing Capela last offseason. They just gave him a 5-year, $90 million deal and saw him put up 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game during the regular season. But he was a weak link on the floor in the series against the Warriors, and that may have Houston convinced he is expendable.
The other player they probably would love to move is Chris Paul. Not only did he and James Harden reportedly have some tension at the end of the season, but he is aging and only getting more expensive. Finding a taker for the three years and $124 million left on his contract might prove impossible though.
On top of the trades they are exploring, there are rumblings that the Rockets are trying to force out D’Antoni. They have made changes to his staff, including getting rid of two of his assistants.
