NBA Trade Rumors With Houston Rockets: With Josh Smith Gone, What Direction Will They Go?

Jul 16, 2015 08:21 PM EDT

The Houston Rockets had a very successful season in 2015 before they were beaten out by the unstoppable Golden State Warriors for the West as they one only one game out of five.  In most of the playoff games, they won by four games, so they were looking to be a good team.  It looks like this next season is going to be another winning season as they build up the roster.  Here is what we know about NBA Trade Rumors with the Houston Rockets. 

Bleacher Report states that veteran point guard Jason Terry could be sticking around, even though he is in his age-38 season.  Houston gave him an average of 21.3 per game, and he posted 7.0 points and 1.9 assists while shooting 39 percent from deep.  This free agent is progressing toward a deal to re-sign with the Rockets, and he is quoted in saying:  "I just want to compete for a championship and play for a team that values a veteran in their locker room".  It will probably be a matter of time before we see Terry back in Houston. 

Another veteran free agent for the Rockets is forward Josh Smith.  The veteran spent 55 games with the Rockets last year, and averaged 12.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field.  Smith is "still having conversations" with the Clippers, and it is possible that they will swing in to recruit him, as well as the Sacramento Kings.    As I was writing this, I just checked ESPN and they report that Josh Smith has joined the Clippers.  That was fast. 

Other players to look out for are Andre Miller and Chuck Hayes.  According to Sports World Report, the former NBA executive Bobby Marks states that the team needs a backup point guard and possibly a center and Chuck Hayes could be it.  Hayes could be the man for the Rockets and his agent has talked about "mutual interest" in getting a deal done.  Free agent Hayes played 29 games last season and was with the Rockets before his playing for the Toronto Raptors. Hayes averaged just under two points and two rebounds per game in limited minutes last season. 

Another player of interest is Marcus Thornton, added on for a deal with a minimum contract.  Thornton averaged eight points and shot over 37 percent from long range.  The Rockets made a strong playoff run last season and are looking to make additions to the roster to give both Harden and Howard another chance in the western conference. 

Another name in association with the Houston Rockets is Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns.  It appears that not only the Rockets want him, but the LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, and the New York Nicks want this player for their teams as well, according to a separate article from Sports World Report

As for other news about the Houston Rockets, well the season is a long time from beginning, so things like the status of Josh Smith can change in a heartbeat, just like it changed from when I began this article.