BREAKING DOWN THE ROCKETS’ ROSTER
Dwight Howard 2016-17 salary: $23.3 million. Contract status: Player option for next season. Long expected to opt out of his contract to return to free agency, Howard averaged fewer points on fewer shots per game than he has since his rookie season. With his diminished role and signs of discomfort with it, he would have little reason to not consider his options.
James Harden 2016-17 salary: $16.7 million. Contract status: Signed through 2017-18. The Rockets consider Harden their most untouchable foundation piece. He was in some ways even more productive than a year ago, but his record-setting turnover rate and defensive lapses limited his success as the Rockets look to add playmakers to diversify Harden’s offensive role.
Corey Brewer 2016-17 salary: $7.6 million. Contract status: Signed through 2017-18. Brewer slumped to 38.4 percent shooting, matching his worst since his rookie season, and saw his playing time decrease to 20.4 minutes per game, the least of his nine-year career.
Trevor Ariza 2016-17 salary: $7.8 million. Contract status: Signed through 2017-18. Ariza has been the epitome of a 3-and-D wing, used to defend everyone from point guards to power forwards while providing spacing with his 3-point shooting. He could fit in a variety of roles but also could be a trade target with his contract to be considered a good value in the coming market.
Pat Beverley 2016-17 salary: $6 million. Contract status: Signed through 2018-19 with team option in final season. Beverley continued to beat out challengers for his starting job, though Ty Lawson did not do much to keep it. Beverley has not been the defensive force of his second-team All-Defense season and has not been used a playmaker, but his contract would not be out of line in his current role or even as a reserve.
K.J. McDaniels 2016-17 salary: $3.3 million. Contract status: Signed through 2018-19 with team option for final season. McDaniels received little playing time in his second season with the Rockets, but he showed flashes of his potential beyond his athleticism. Even with a limited role, McDaniels demonstrated growth defensively and has honed his shooting stroke.
Terrence Jones Contract status: Would be a restricted free agent with a $3.5 million qualifying offer. Jones was unable to stay healthy from training camp through his midseason car crash and saw the quality of his play and role reduced dramatically. He received only brief, lategame minutes since February.
Donatas Motiejunas Contract status: Would be a restricted free agent with a $3.3 million qualifying offer. Traded at the deadline to Detroit, Motiejunas returned to the Rockets when the Pistons would not clear him medically. He then regained his starting position but showed only flashes of last season’s form. With the history of back issues and his up-and-down play, he’ll be difficult to evaluate as a free agent.
Sam Dekker 2016-17 salary: $1.7 million. Contract status: Signed through 2016-17 with the Rockets holding options for the next two seasons. Dekker played only through stints in the D-League after his back surgery. He was well enough to work with development coaches and could be treated as next season’s first-round pick given his nearly nonexistent role this season.
Josh Smith Contract status: Free agent. Smith had initial success when he returned to the Rockets and some good moments late in the season, but he was unable to hold on to the starting position when he was given the chance after the All-Star break.
Jason Terry Contract status: Free agent. Terry wants to play several more seasons, but he also interviewed for a coaching position. The Rockets had to rely on him more than planned and would consider him an option again, if they can solidify the guard position in other ways.
Clint Capela 2016-17 salary: $1.3 million. Contract status: Signed through 2017-18 at the team’s option. Capela’s continued growth was considered a bright spot, but it is unclear if he would be viewed as ready to be the starter if Dwight Howard moves on. He has shown potential as a finisher and rim protector, but he lacks bulk and is even more of a liability at the line than Howard.
Michael Beasley 2016-17 salary: $1.4 million. Contract status: Signed through 2016-17 at team’s option. A late-season addition out of the China Basketball Association, Beasley showed his scoring touch was as strong as ever. He is limited defensively but could be considered an instant-offense bargain.
Montrezl Harrell 2016-17 salary: $1 million. Contract status: Signed through 2017-18. Harrell showed an ability to be productive with his outstanding energy. He was caught in a crowded position, costing playing time to develop defensively and as a rebounder, but he showed potential.
Andrew Goudelock 2016-17 salary: $1 million. Contract status: Signed through 2016-17 at team’s option. Goudelock received little playing time after joining the Rockets in March. With a small contract, he could be given a chance to earn a roster spot and role in training camp.