Keep the core lineup? The Rockets are seeking change while maintaining stability! Salary expert forecast: Chasing superstars in the mid-season

In the offseason this summer, Manager Rafael Stone actually has two options to choose from. First, as many media and experts suggest, the Rockets send out a lot of chips to chase a top superstar. After all, many star players may be traded during this offseason, such as Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' superstar, and Durant and Booker, the Suns' two core members. Even players like Morant, Jaylen Brown, Trae Young, etc. cannot be traded.

As long as the Rockets give enough chips to satisfy the opponent, it should not be difficult to get a superstar or an all-star player. But will the Rockets really do this? Will Manager Stone and Fertita break up their existing Western Conference second-ranked squad to pursue a superstar? I'm afraid this is a low-probability event, because the Rockets management has repeatedly emphasized the integrity of the lineup and the importance of chemical reactions, so retaining the core lineup seems to have become the best choice for the Rockets.

As long as the Rockets' young players can continue to grow, the Rockets may not be able to go too far next season's playoffs. Of course, the premise of the Rockets is to never encounter the Warriors again. The Warriors are better than the Rockets in terms of play and psychological aspects, but if the Rockets can meet other teams, they should be able to pass the level smoothly.

Retain the core lineup, and the players who should be left behind should be renewed, such as Dillon Brooks, Van Vreett, and Adams. By the way, renew Amen Thompson and Smith Jr. in advance, giving them full guarantees. It should be the Rockets' first choice task this summer. Of course, the Rockets do not rule out the possibility of chasing superstars.

expert Eric Pincus made a prediction. When analyzing what the Rockets should do this summer and next season, he directly stated that the Rockets lost to the Warriors in the playoffs was not a huge setback because young players have learned a lot of playoff experience. The team has a large number of first-round draft picks and young players next season, and they are enough to use these chips to trade a superstar.

If Antetokounmpo proposes a deal to the Bucks, then the Rockets are one of Antetokounmpo's ideal next homes. He believes that the Rockets will renew Van Vreet with a multi-year contract. Although the Rockets may retain their existing roster and start next season, the Rockets have enough and strong enough trading chips on hand and are expected to look for big deals before next year's trade deadline.

In other words, the Rockets don't want to chase superstars, but this summer seems to be in a state of immature conditions. Until the mid-term and trading deadline of next season, the Rockets may not complete these heavy trades and chase a superstar if they have demand.

Of course, from this expert's point of view, the Rockets will retain their existing roster and start next season first. If the Rockets record is good enough, the Rockets may not necessarily chase superstars before the trade deadline, and retaining their current lineup seems to be a pretty good choice. After all, rashly breaking up a team's winning lineup is a taboo, and the Rockets management will not do this. They will not take the initiative to break up the team for the sake of superstars, unless the Rockets have a poor record next season and must chase superstars for changes.