Jakob Poeltl in mix for Rockets (June 30)

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In late April, new Rockets coach Ime Udoka referenced wanting to add “different types of bigs” in his introductory press conference. While third-year center Alperen Sengun offers strong value and versatility on offense, he’s been somewhat limited on defense.

Flush with financial room beneath the NBA’s 2023-24 salary cap, that could explain Houston’s flirtation with veteran Milwaukee center Brook Lopez in recent weeks. However, many of the latest reports suggest that Lopez may ultimately return to the Bucks

If that happens, who might be a backup plan for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone once the 2023 free agency negotiating window officially opens on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Central?

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl could be an option. Known for his defense, the 27-year-old, 7-foot-1 center averaged 12.5 points (62.9% FG), 9.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 26.5 minutes with the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs last season. Scotto reports that Poeltl is expected to receive a deal near $20 million annually, which is in the ballpark of the rumored Lopez bid.

With the start of free agency under 24 hours away, other known Houston targets include Raptors guard Fred VanVleet; Memphis wing Dillon Brooks; and perhaps Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.

As of late Thursday, here’s where things appear to stand.

Jakob Poeltl in play for Rockets?

Jakob Poeltl is expected to receive strong interest from the Raptors, Spurs and Rockets in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype. There’s a belief around the league that Poeltl could command around $20 million annually and could end free agency with a deal in the ballpark of three years, $60 million, according to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype.

(Michael Scotto, HoopsHype)

Rockets very interested in Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet, 29, is poised to draw significant interest from the Houston Rockets. With Houston prioritizing short-term deals for elevated salaries, there’s been a strong belief VanVleet could garner a two-year, $80-plus million deal, as Marc Stein recently noted. The Raptors would prefer to do a three-year deal with VanVleet closer to the…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-free-agency-opening-rumors-031147807.html?src=rss

Author : Rockets Wire

Publish date : 2023-06-30 03:11:47

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