Fansided

Rockets ready to pay luxury tax to keep current team together

By Gabe Henderson

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 29: Chris Paul #3 and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets high five in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 29: Chris Paul #3 and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets high five in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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During exit interviews, Houston GM Daryl Morey expressed his desire to keep the current team together at all costs

Ever since new owner Tilman Fertita took over the Rockets, he’s known one plan — building to beat the Warriors. Of course, every team in the NBA is striving to defeat the defending champions. However, none have been more vocal about it than the Houston Rockets. The Rockets spent last offseason putting together a team designed to specifically defeat Golden State. They came within 10 points of doing so this season and Fertita looks ready to pay a hefty fine to keep this team in tact.

The Rockets have a lot of contracts they have to settle this offseason. Chris Paul — who seems optimistic about returning — is set to be a free agent. He’ll be looking for a max deal or something in the range of a max deal. In addition, Houston’s going to have to pay top dollar for emerging young star Clint Capela as he’s a restricted free agent at the official start of the offseason. These two alone, along with re-signing role players like Trevor Ariza, could put the Rockets in an expensive position. Fertita could pay upwards of $25 million in luxury tax. However, he seems ready to write the check.

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The Houston Rockets are not the heroes we deserve, but the heroes we need. For four consecutive years, all NBA fans have gotten to see is a Warriors-Cavs finals. At first, the series was wildly entertaining. However, it seems much of the NBA world is growing tired of the same two teams. To many, the Rockets pose the biggest threat in the West to the Warriors. NBA fans around the world may have to thank Fertita and the Rockets next season because success doesn’t come cheap.

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