3 early Rockets free agency targets in 2024 NBA Offseason

Following his trade to the New York Knicks, OG Anunoby had been on fire, filling in the gap that was shot creating, athleticism, and efficiency from beyond the arc.  In 23 games, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points on 48.8% shooting 39.4% from deep and a +15.3 plus-minus. Additionally on defense, the Indiana product guarded the perimeter like a hawk to conclude the season, allowing just a 15% three-point field goal in the last six regular season games.

Aside from Jalen Brunson, Anunoby is the X Factor for the Knicks. This was illustrated perfectly during Round 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers with his defense against MVP Joel Embiid and the first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.

When Brunson briefly sat out in the second quarter of Game 2 due to a sore foot, Anunoby came alive, exploding for 28 points in 28 minutes before succumbing to a hamstring injury. He’s been out since and the Knicks haven’t been the same on both ends of the floor. Brunson is the only playmaker and can’t do it all on his own to get his teammates involved. While there’s no timetable for Anunoby’s return, it’s clear how much of an impact he’s made for the Knicks.

If George isn’t available, then targeting Anunoby won’t be a complete downgrade. He fits better on the Rockets on a team-based level and will be a far better selection than Dillon Brooks.

The 26-year-old also has a 2024 player option and could decide to gamble on a max deal as well in the free-agent market. Fortunately, it won’t be as high as George’s number. Ideally, this would be a better fit for Houston given age, financial reliability, and team chemistry.

Bruce Brown

Prior to the 2023-2024 season, the Indiana Pacers signed Bruce Brown away from his former team in the Denver Nuggets to bolster their perimeter defense. Most will recall Brown’s major impact in the 2023 playoffs, becoming a key bench piece in the Nuggets NBA Finals run.

Unfortunately, that same tenacity didn’t bode well in his first season with Indiana. While Brown wasn’t terrible, the Pacers needed more size and scoring versatility to pair alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Thus, Brown was shipped to Toronto in a trade package to acquire forward Pascal Siakam, and now here we are.

Brown’s role in a Raptors uniform isn’t super impactful long-term. The team is still searching for an identity nearly five years removed from their 2019 title run. Retaining the 2023 NBA champion at $23 million for 2024-2025 doesn’t appear to be in their future plans. His contract contains a club option in Year 2. Should the Raptors choose to decline Brown’s club option, the Rockets could be in for a chance to snag one of the better free-agent perimeter and one-on-one defenders in the league at a discounted price.

On the 2022-2023 Nuggets, Brown allowed just 31% from shots beyond the arc under renowned coach Michael Malone. While his defense did regress this season, it’s largely due to a change in scenery. Brown on the Rockets with head coach Ime Udoka at the helm will bring back that defensive swagger because Brown has something to play for, and that is helping Houston return to the playoffs.