Important offseason dates for the Rockets

Although the Houston Rockets season ended a week ago, there’s still much to look forward to as they transition into the off-season. Between the NBA playoffs, draft season, and free agency, there’s always something to get excited about. For Houston, the latter two will have to take precedent in the present, but hopefully not for too much longer.

Peering ahead, here are the most important dates to keep in mind:

NBA Draft Lottery - May 12

We all know that the Oklahoma City Thunder own Houston’s pick this year, but on the bright side, the Rockets still own the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets floundered in mediocrity this season, just bad enough for them to have the ninth-worst record in the league. While this is considered to be one of the weaker drafts in recent memory, a top ten pick is still a top ten pick.

Perhaps the Nets’ pick vaults up, even just a few spots would be favorable. Nevertheless, Rockets’ fans have a good reason to tune in to the lottery.

Negotiate with own free agents - the first day after the NBA Finals concludes (between June 15 - 24)

The Rockets will have a few decisions to make regarding filling out their roster this offseason. Jae’Sean Tate and Jeff Green both have club options so it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least one of them brought back. I personally lean towards the ageless wonder, Green, but if Rafael Stone is confident he can get some return out of Tate in a trade, then why not both?

Reggie Bullock, Boban Marjanovic and Aaron Holiday will also become unrestricted free agents this Summer. I wouldn’t mind bringing back Holiday on a team-friendly deal, especially after how well he filled in this season.

NBA Draft - June 26 & 27

Houston will have the opportunity to add yet another rotational piece with the Nets pick. Stone has had mixed results at the top of the lottery, and has nailed daggers with his picks in the late teens. What sorcery can he pull off with a mid-lottery pick?

Tampering Window - June 30

Let’s pretend like June 30 is the first time teams start talking to external free agents. This free agency will certainly be quieter than last season’s splurge on Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. With extensions on the horizon for the Core Six, it’s unlikely that the Rockets will make it rain elsewhere. Still, this is a good chance to round out the roster.

Rookie-scale contracts can be extended - July 6

As aforementioned, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun will be up for extensions as they enter into the fourth year of their rookie-scale contracts. This is particularly interesting in Green’s case as we are aware of the trade rumblings that surrounded him this season. Will Houston attempt to pounce early to lock both players up, or will Stone have to hitch his wagon to one or the other?

Free Agents can sign - July 6

The “official” opening of free agency is July 1, but signings don’t become official until July 6. While reneging on a contract doesn’t happen too often, I try not to celebrate until the signature is on the dotted line.

Once we get past free agency, it’s on to the 2024-25 season. Summer League and training camp will take place, and we will probably have some idea regarding Sengun and Green extensions by October 21 at the latest.

Let the summertime magic commence.