Rockets' top five updates: Give Harden an annual salary of no more than 33 million Want to poach Reeves from the Lakers

On June 14, Beijing time, HoopsHype celebrity Michael Scotto and Rockets participated in a podcast program with team reporter Kelly Iko, revealing five major dynamics of Rockets. They are reluctant to give Harden a top salary, willing to pay an annual salary of about 30 million, and other free agents they are interested in, including Reeves of the Lakers.

1. The Rockets don't want to give Harden a top salary

Scotto said there were rumors that the Rockets didn't want to give him a top salary. Iko said expectations for Harden are currently unanimous across the team, with some personnel and players very confident in his return and others skeptical. Previously, Jabari Smith Jr. called Harden home on the show, and Jaylen Green admitted that Harden's return is a double-edged sword that may help or harm.

Iko believes that the Rockets will not give Harden a top salary of 45 million to 50 million, but will give him a contract with an annual salary of about 30 million to 33 million. Harden himself understands that he may not make a lot of money this offseason.

2. What free agents do the Rockets want?

If Harden doesn't return to the Rockets, then VanVleet and Irving enter the discussion. Iko noted that VanVleet is more realistic and meaningful than Owen. He is younger than Irving, and while he has regressed a bit in recent years, he is expected to be rejuvenated with the right coach. And Owen will most likely stay in the Lone Ranger.

The Rockets are also interested in Reeves. This season, Reeves averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. They wanted to poach Reeves from the Lakers, but it was previously reported that the Lakers were willing to match any offer.

In addition, the players interested in the Rockets include: Brooke Lopez (Bucks), Capela (Hawks), Turner (Pacers), Porzingis (Wizards), Cameron Johnson (Nets), Dillon Brooks (Grizzlies), Hart (Knicks), Oubre (Hornets).

3. Three teams interested in Rocket Martin Jr

Iko said the Mavericks, Clippers and Suns remain interested in Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. Martin Jr.'s contract for next season is still unguaranteed, and if the Rockets choose to switch his contract for next season this summer, Martin Jr. will become a full free agent in the summer of 2024; Instead, Martin Jr. will become a restricted free agent this summer. The Rockets also have the option to sign first and then trade him.

In the 2022-23 season, Martin Jr. played in 82 regular-season games for the Rockets, averaging 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 56.9% from the field.

4. How does the rocket handle the No. 4 signature?

Scotto said the Rockets' main target is Amen Thompson, one of the top defenders in this class, if the Rockets keep the No. 4 pick, and the Rockets had the second-worst defensive efficiency in the league last season. Iko believes that the gap between Amen Thompson and Henderson and Miller is not large, and he is also optimistic that the Rockets will choose him.

If the Rockets were to trade the No. 4 pick, Iko noted that the underlying problem is that you could have to accept a player who takes up a lot of salary space and sacrifice potential rookie with the No. 4 pick.

5. The composition of the Rockets' coaching staff

Scotto said three of the Green Army's three assistant coaches, Ben Sullivan, Mike Moser and Garrett Jackson, will join Uduka's coaching staff. Iko also revealed that Diego Split, who worked with Uduka with the Nets and was teammates at the Spurs, could also come.