Free agency is just around the corner. The Houston Rockets are among several teams expected to make a big splash. But before the Rockets can look for outside help, they must first make decisions about their current roster.
First on the docket was the decision to make two players restricted free agents. But it appears Houston was only interested in doing so for one of them.
Rockets have tendered a qualifying offer to Donatas Motiejunas, person with knowledge of the move said. Not offering one to Terrence Jones.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) June 30, 2016
By extending a qualifying offer to Donatas Motiejunas, the Rockets are effectively making the big man a restricted free agent. Terrence Jones is not getting such a treatment.
This is an interesting decision of course. Wanting to keep Motiejunas is slightly surprising when considering that they literally traded him this past season. The only reason he is still on the Rockets is that he failed his physical or because the teams changed their minds at the last second. But he is a talented player, especially in the post and has shown value for the Rockets when healthy.
The decision to make Jones an unrestricted free agent is also surprising. The power forward regressed last season and has not been consistent. But at his peak, he is a bit of a do-it-all power forward. He has the ability to shoot and handle the ball and is a decent defender at least.
This seems like a move to free up some cap space in order to chase around the big fish. It is a fairly low risk proposition as losing out on Terrence Jones would not be the end of the world for the Rockets.
