5 teams that will be chasing Mavericks star Kyrie Irving in free agency

2. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are in a unique position in the race to sign any free agent this summer. Houston will have the cap space to offer a max contract, and they have the desire to improve. They owe their 2024 first-round pick to the Thunder with a top-four protection. The Rockets do not want to give Oklahoma City the fifth pick, so they will be looking to end their rebuild and make a move up the standings.

The rumblings of James Harden going back to the Rockets (subscription required) are already starting, but what if he decides to chase a championship in Philadelphia? If Houston gets the number one overall pick, they could be looking to add a true point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama.

The Rockets could offer Kyrie a four-year max contract worth north of $200 million in free agency. The eight-time All-Star joining Jabari Smith Jr, Jalen Green, and another top draft choice would make Houston formidable, and it would have a puncher’s chance at getting into the Play-In Tournament next season.

Will the Houston Rockets make a splash in free agency or is the franchise forced to sweat out losing their first-round pick to the Thunder for an entire season? They need reinforcements to start climbing the standings, but can the Rockets find them this summer? It is something to watch closely.