Goodbye Jock, Rockets cut Landale to free up 8 million space, there may be big moves in the draft

Just less than two hours after the Rockets announced the two-year, $50 million contract renewal of VanVleet, the Rockets management made another move. They cut off the third center Jock Landale, who had played for the team for two years, in order to free up 8 million in cap space.

Before June 29 this year, the Rockets must make a decision whether to execute Landale's third-year non-guaranteed contract. The team announced today that it would no longer execute the contract, allowing the inside player who averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in his career to become a full free agent.

In the 22-23 season, Langdale was still a member of the Suns. In the playoffs, because Ayton had no sense of presence on the defensive end, the coach had no choice but to replace Langdale, who was still a marginal figure, to try the waters. Who would have thought that Langdale successfully seized the opportunity and averaged 6.1 points and 4 rebounds per game in 16 minutes.

After the end of the season, the Rockets, who were empty inside, received this inspirational undraft after pursuing Lopez in pursuing a partial guarantee contract of $32 million for four years and $32 million. When the contract was revealed, many people were shocked why the Rockets offered such a high price to such a center player. The media generally believed that the market conditions of Landal were about $4 million.

In the two years with the Rockets, Langdale did not have much chance to play. His first season averaged 4.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. At the same time, the Rockets also traded Adams in the middle of the season. When the 24-25 season begins, Adams returns from injury and returns, Landal will have fewer opportunities to play. He made 42 appearances throughout the season, averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

But then again, Langdale is better than many big players in the league at the technical level. First of all, his finishing ability near the basket is very good. At the same time, there is also a small throw at a slightly farther position. Even outside the three-point line, there is a certain tactical threat. In the past season, although he didn't produce much three-point shooting and averaged only 0.6 times per game, his shooting percentage reached 42.3%, which is already very good for the big man.

And this time the Rockets cut Landale, and the news came out as soon as it appeared, many teams in the league were very interested in this big man with a height of 2.13 meters and rich offensive skills. These include Magic, Lakers, Warriors, etc.

The Rockets announced this news at this time node, which is also very interesting. In a while, the 2025 draft will begin. The Rockets chose to "reduce the burden" of the team's salary space at this node, which is likely to be preparing for potential transactions. After cutting Landale, the Rockets will have about $23 million this summer to strengthen their lineup. In tomorrow's draft, the Rockets have already released news and the team will continue to operate. The team makes room in advance, whether it is a third party or a direct transaction with the target team, there will be much more operational space.

In addition, fans suggested that the Rockets could use the remaining cap space to quote Philadelphia's Grimes. Previously, the team had only $15 million in full middle class, so there would be no pressure to match Philadelphia. But if the Rockets can raise the price to $20 million, Philadelphia may have to choose to give up. Don’t look at NBA players, a $5 million contract is not a big deal. But for these teams that exceed the luxury tax line, the team may be punished with more than 1 million US dollars.

If the Rockets can really use this contract to win the ball holder of Philadelphia Grimes, the Rockets may be able to announce in advance that the reinforcement plan this summer has ended. The young man who averaged 22+5+4.5+1.5 games last season will fill the last shortcoming of the Rockets' championship lineup. As for the final result, perhaps everything will be decided after the draft will end in the next two days. What kind of strong aid do you think the Rockets can find in the free agent market with a salary of 23 million yuan? Welcome to leave a message for discussion.