NBA Offseason Rumblings: Rockets Face Tax Decisions, Grizzlies Hold No. 3 Pick, Pelicans Monitor Draft Implications
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Houston Rockets
The Rockets are heading into a financially delicate summer. Cap analyst Yossi Gozlan noted that Houston’s proximity to the first and second tax aprons, combined with Tari Eason’s upcoming restricted free agency, could postpone certain roster moves until the fall—similar to Golden State’s delay with Jonathan Kuminga last year.
Forward Dorian Finney-Smith, entering the final guaranteed season of his contract, is viewed as a potential salary-dump candidate after offseason surgery affected his 2025-26 outlook. Moving his deal without taking money back would help Houston slip below the tax threshold.
Other variables include Amen Thompson’s eligibility for a rookie-scale extension, the market for Eason, and Fred VanVleet’s $25 million player option.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis jumped to No. 3 in the draft lottery and also owns No. 16 (via the Suns) and No. 32 (via the Pacers). While adding prospects to a core that features Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells remains a priority, Spotrac’s Keith Smith emphasized that the franchise’s biggest offseason question is still the future of Ja Morant, whose name surfaced in trade discussions earlier this year.
New Orleans Pelicans
Although New Orleans did not control its own pick, the team closely tracked the lottery because of last season’s trade with Atlanta. The results finalize that deal: the Hawks will receive the No. 8 selection in 2026, completing the swap that sent Derik Queen to the Pelicans at No. 13 in 2025 and Asa Newell to Atlanta at No. 23.
“Human nature kicks in,” president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said. “Of course I’m going to follow it.”
Source: Hoops Wire
