Fansided

NBA free agency: The 3 biggest losers in this offseason so far

By Nicholas Chiarito

Dec 26, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) /

No. 2 biggest losers in free agency so far: Houston Rockets

It was no surprise to anyone when the Houston Rockets finished last season with the second-worst record in the league at 22-60. The Rockets were a young inexperienced team last season but had great young talent with guys like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr.

The Rockets started off their offseason quite well as they had the fourth pick in the draft and used that to select Amen Thompson. The Rockets lacked depth and star-like ability at the small forward position and they got just that with Thompson.

When free agency rolled around, the Rockets really lost it. The first big signing they had was Fred VanVleet to a three year deal worth $128 million dollars, which is just under $43 million a year. Last season VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists on 39/34/90 splits. That contract is way too big for VanVleet considering what he did last season.

The signing of VanVleet means that the Rockets are more than likely looking to part ways from either Jalen Green or Kevin Porter Jr. Both players are still young and had just as good of a season as VanVleet statically speaking.

Another questionable signing for the Rockets was giving Dillion Brooks a contract of four years and $80 million. Brooks is coming off a bad season where he shot 39.6 percent from the floor and 32.6 percent from three. In the postseason he was abysmal shooting 31.2 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three. Brooks hurt the Grizzlies more than he helped them.

There is the possibility of Brooks improving this offseason but it is more than likely the Rockets overpaid for another player. This signing is questionable for the Rockets because it leaves the play of Amen Thompson up to question. After giving Brooks that contract you have to play him but if Thompson outplays him then the Rockets are stuck with that contract.

The VanVleet and Brooks signings make the Rockets big losers for this offseason.

Home/Chicago Bulls