What's Happening?
Former Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley disclosed that he was close to rejoining the team during the 2025 offseason. Beverley, who played for the Rockets from 2012 to 2017, was in Houston working out with the team for several weeks. However, the Rockets are currently hard-capped at the first apron, leaving them with only $1.3 million in cap space. This financial limitation prevents them from signing Beverley, who would require a $2.3 million cap hit on a veteran minimum contract. The Rockets' cap situation follows a series of offseason moves, including acquiring star forward Kevin Durant.
Why It's Important?
The inability to sign Beverley highlights the financial constraints faced by NBA teams operating under the league's salary cap rules. For the Rockets, this situation underscores the challenges of balancing star acquisitions with maintaining a well-rounded roster. Beverley's defensive prowess and experience could have been valuable assets for the Rockets, especially as they aim to build a competitive team around new acquisitions like Kevin Durant. The decision not to sign Beverley may impact the team's defensive capabilities and depth, potentially affecting their performance in the upcoming season.
What's Next?
The Rockets may need to explore other roster adjustments or trades to create cap space if they wish to add veteran players like Beverley. Alternatively, they might focus on developing younger talent already on the roster. The team's management will likely continue to evaluate their financial strategy to ensure they remain competitive while adhering to salary cap restrictions.
