After re-signing most of their in-house talent, the Houston Rockets are still eyeing potential free agents to add to the roster. One of the best available players at the moment is Carlos Boozer who might have had a quiet season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but is still very capable of being a talented threat for any team that adds him. With size depth an issue, are the Rockets looking to bring the versatile big man on?
According to Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops, the Rockets are looking at bringing on Boozer with a contract after the 33-year-old averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 71 games last season. The Rockets do not necessarily need Boozer, but bolstering the bench would certainly not hurt considering the talent teams like the Los Angeles Clippers added this offseason. The Rockets have Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas at the power forward spot along with a deal for Chuck Hayes, but Houston has not appeared invested in any of those options as they have all been tossed in trade rumors.
The Rockets wanted to add Josh Smith so clearly a crowded roster is not something they are concerned with. The Clippers added multiple big men and versatile forwards to their bench and the Rockets are likely feeling the pressure to do the same. If the Rockets do add Boozer, someone does not make the team. Jones could easily still be traded while Montrezl Harrell would head to the D-League and Hayes is an option to get cut.
Interest is heating up over Boozer as the offseason continues on. Scotto reports that the New York Knicks are another team aiming to acquire more size as Robin Lopez remains the only true center on the roster. The Knicks have roster space to fill and a veteran's minimum contract to Boozer would not crush the team's salary cap space. It would give them key defense off the bench as players like Kristaps Porzingis develop.
The Dallas Mavericks are listed as the other option for Boozer. The two sides have been linked since the Mavericks missed out on DeAndre Jordan in free agency. They have also been eyeing JaVale McGee and Glen Davis who could be backup options if the Rockets or Knicks get to Boozer first. The power forward will ink an contract soon, but he should not expect it to be any greater than a minimum deal.
