As part of the franchise’s rebuilding plan, the Houston Rockets are clearly prioritizing future draft assets and playing time for younger players. Yet, they have to work within the confines of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement and its salary cap rules.
For example, in the trade sending Eric Gordon to the Clippers for a first-round pick swap in 2023, the Rockets had to take back veterans John Wall and Danny Green for salary matching purposes. Both were quickly waived, allowing them to sign elsewhere while maximizing internal playing time for younger prospects.
