NBA Rumors: Patrick Beverley Could Be Odd Man Out For The Houston Rockets

NBA Rumors: After getting somewhat exposed by the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, Patrick Beverley could be the odd man out for the Rockets

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The Houston Rockets desperately missed Patrick Beverley in their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors, sure. However, more than Beverley, the Rockets really missed a secondary offensive playmaker — something that they currently don’t possess on their roster.

Houston wasn’t a healthy Patrick Beverley away from reaching the NBA Final, no. The difference between the Warriors and Rockets is much more than that. The Rockets need something more. They need someone that could help alleviate the offensive pressure off James Harden once in a while. They need someone, not named Josh Smith, that could initiate the offense.

They need more than just Harden step-backs and Dwight Howard dunks. They needed another playmaker. Which is exactly what Harden has echoed since their season ended in five games at the hands of the, now, Western Conference Champion Golden State Warriors.

Houston needs a second offensive playmaker. That’s the next step in their road to building a championship contender.

"[via Houston Chronicle]Rockets guard James Harden made the familiar case for continuity the Rockets have never had since he’s been in Houston. He spoke of the strengths of a roster that won 56 games and reached the Western Conference Finals. He cited the difference between the Warriors and Rockets, pointing quickly to his own turnovers.Yet, when Rockets general manager Daryl Morey puts together his shopping list, Harden had a suggestion.He said he “definitely” would like to see the Rockets add another playmaker to take some of that responsibility out of his hands.“That’s one of the conversations me and Daryl are going to have (and) the coaches,” Harden said. “That’s one of the pieces to add, but that’s later conversations. We’ll be all right. We’re very confident in the group we have. This summer we have to work hard and be ready for next year.”"

The Rockets have roughly $48 million locked up on Dwight Howard, James Harden and Trevor Ariza next season, but other than that don’t have much money owed to anyone else. Corey Brewer has a $4 million player option for next season and will probably have to pay Josh Smith a little more than the million dollars he made this season from Houston if they would like to retain him next season.

If Houston returns both, it could be hard for Houston to add a significant player through free agency. Add in the fact that Patrick Beverley, the team’s starting point guard, is slated to hit restricted free agency, and it leaves Houston will a bit of a dilemma.

The Rockets could add a playmaker this offseason, but it will more than likely have to come via trade. It’s not known what type of player Houston would be looking forward to add, but the fact that they’re set at SG (Harden), SF (Ariza), PF (Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas and Josh Smith) and C (Howard), makes it pretty clear that the Rockets will probably pursue an upgrade at the point guard position.

Which, in essence, leaves Beverley’s future in Houston murky. But, as they say, when one door closes another one opens. Which could lead Beverley to the Dallas Mavericks, who have Chandler Parsons on the job as recruiter.

"[via Houston Chronicle]With Pat Beverley heading into free agency, the Rockets point guard said he is already seeing the renowned recruiting talents of former teammate Chandler Parsons first hand.“I hear from Chandler every day,” Beverley said. “It’s hard, but I try not to think about it. I can’t talk about contracts. It’s going to be a fun summer. I have put myself in a position to be set for life and that’s something that I never thought was possible growing up.”"

Much like last season, the Rockets could see another one of their players headed to Dallas. Beverley would be a great fit in Dallas, who themselves have a few questions to answer regarding roster makeup this offseason.

But Houston can’t let what happened last offseason happen again this summer. They just can’t end up with egg on their face during free agency. If Beverley leaves and the Rockets don’t match whatever contract he’s signed to, Houston needs to have a plan B ready for implementation.

And it needs to be better than Beverley. The Rockets can’t afford to take a step back (roster-wise) again this summer.

Next: Kevin Durant to the Wizards is most likely scenario next summer