US media predicts the Rockets offseason operation: the two veterans may complete the contract renewal, and the 10+3 guard returns to the Space City?

It was a mixed year for the Houston Rockets. It was definitely a joy to be able to return to the playoff stage, especially ranked second in the West. However, I believe everyone will find it difficult to accept this result if the Rockets regard the first round of the playoffs, especially when encountering the Warriors Black Seven. If the Rockets regard fighting for the championship as their goal, it will be a long way to go.

The US media predicted the Rockets' offseason operations by posting pictures. If there is no major adjustment, the main framework of the Rockets' lineup will not change much. One of the things worth noting is that two veterans Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams may both be able to renew their contracts. In addition, defender D'Antony Melton returns to Space City and officially wears the Rockets' jersey.

In fact, these two veterans are very important to the Rockets. Fred VanVleet has received much criticism from the outside world because of his high salary and poor stability in the high-end game. But without Fred VanVleet, the Rockets' offensive end would have completely collapsed, and other teammates would only know how to fight alone, which was completely like a loose set. On the contrary, with Fred VanVleet on the court, the Rockets' offense will at least be more organized, and his defense is also underestimated, unlike the other defenders, who are present as if they are cash machines. Therefore, both the Rockets and Fred VanVleet have a very open attitude towards continuing to cooperate with each other. If the Rockets offer Fred VanVleet a contract with a long-term but slightly reduced salary compared to the current one, the two sides will most likely reach an agreement. The situation of Steven Adams is relatively complicated. After all, the Rockets are in the center position, Alperen Shinkin and Jock Landale, and Steven Adams is expected to be chased by multiple powerful men, which adds great uncertainty. Of course, if conditions permit, the Rockets will still give priority to keeping Steven Adams as the center position. After all, his role on the court is far greater than the statistics itself. Even if due to age and injuries, Steven Adams's strength cannot be compared with his peak period, but as a substitute center, there should be no big problem.

As for D'Antoni Melton, it seems a little more complicated. He was selected by the Rockets to enter the league as a second round pick. But because he felt that there were not many opportunities, and the Rockets wanted to deal with Ryan Anderson, he simply sent him away. After that, D'Antoni Melton played for many teams, all of which were very useful 3D defenders, but the main problem was that they were too fragile. Take joining the Warriors this season for example. D'Antoni Melton can average 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, effectively reducing the pressure on Stephen Curry, but he only played 6 games and was reimbursed in advance. If D'Antoni Melton is willing to accept a basic salary or a relatively low contract, he will still be very popular in the market.