Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey agreed to a five-year contract extension with the team on Wednesday. The NBA’s reigning Executive of the Year has made plenty of in-season moves to push the Rockets back into contention.
Houston Rockets sign GM Daryl Morey to a Contract Extension
Off-Season Moves
Many people laughed when they looked at Houston’s roster to begin this season. The squad let savvy veterans Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute go in the offseason. Morey traded Ryan Anderson for Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss. Morey also brought Carmelo Anthony and James Ennis III to Houston and signed undrafted rookie Gary Clark. It turns out those people who laughed at the Rockets roster were spot on. Changes needed to be made. So, Morey got to work making in-season moves.
In-Season Moves
Morey’s made a plethora of in-season moves to counter all the injuries Houston’s suffered this season. Morey waived Anthony after only 10 games into the season. The Rockets GM has a knack for recognizing players at the end of other teams’ benches that fit perfectly in Houston.
When Chris Paul went down, Morey signed Austin Rivers on the buyout market. Rivers’ defense and shooting have fit perfectly in Coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. When Clint Capela got injured, Morey signed Kenneth Faried as a buyout from Brooklyn. Faried has had a career-resurgence in Houston. Faried has also added depth where the Rockets needed it most, in the frontcourt.
Morey traded Ennis around the deadline and acquired Iman Shumpert in a separate deal on deadline day. Yesterday, Morey made the most important move of all, bringing back Danuel House.
Looking Ahead
Morey, the Rockets, and House finally came to terms on a deal for the rest of the year. House was a little-known, yet valuable role player and fan favorite in Houston. After all the adjustments, the Rockets are rolling. They’ve won 9 games in a row, the longest active streak in the league. Houston is gaining momentum for the playoffs. Morey’s made a lot of deals and had plenty to deal with this season. Looking at Houston’s roster, if they can stay healthy, at the end of the season, Morey may have the last laugh.
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