A Key Acquisition for the Rockets: Targeting a Player with the Mid-Level ExceptionA Key Acquisition for the Rockets: Targeting a Player with the Mid-Level Exception
As the Houston Rockets continue their rebuilding process, one of the most valuable tools at their disposal is the Mid-Level Exception (MLE). This exception allows them to add a key piece to their roster without sacrificing too much financial flexibility. The MLE typically offers around $12-13 million, depending on the salary cap, and can be used to acquire a player who could fill a crucial need for the team. Given the Rockets’ current trajectory, acquiring a versatile player who can contribute both on offense and defense is essential for their future success.
With a young core that includes rising stars like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün, the Rockets’ front office needs to find a veteran presence who can provide both leadership and solid production. The team has made significant strides in developing their young talent, but they still lack a consistent, reliable piece who can complement their youth and help guide them through the growing pains of a rebuilding phase.
The Rockets’ Current Needs
Before identifying who might be the ideal target, it’s important to assess the Rockets’ current roster. While the team has plenty of potential, it lacks a true two-way player who can contribute across both ends of the court. Defensively, Houston finished near the bottom of the league in several key categories in recent seasons, including defensive rating and opponent field goal percentage. On offense, the team has struggled with consistency, often relying too heavily on the scoring ability of Jalen Green, with other contributors like Kevin Porter Jr. and Şengün offering varying levels of production.
The Rockets need a player who can do a bit of everything — someone who can help the team get stops on defense, space the floor on offense, and serve as a mentor for the younger players. Ideally, the new acquisition should be a forward or wing who is capable of both scoring and defending at a high level. The Rockets also need a player with an established reputation for hard work, leadership, and professionalism, someone who can help instill a winning culture in Houston’s young locker room.
Ideal Targets for the MLE
Kelly Oubre Jr. – Wing Scorer and Defender
Kelly Oubre Jr. is an intriguing option for the Rockets. He brings an explosive scoring ability, averaging 20.3 points per game in the 2022-2023 season with the Charlotte Hornets. Oubre is a strong, athletic wing who can guard multiple positions, making him an asset on the defensive end. While he’s not a lockdown defender, his length and athleticism allow him to be disruptive, and his scoring ability would be a welcome addition to the Rockets’ offense. He can provide scoring in transition, hit three-pointers, and contribute in the paint. The Rockets could certainly benefit from his energy, leadership, and versatile skill set.
Matisse Thybulle – Elite Defender and 3-and-D Role Player
If the Rockets want to shore up their defense, Matisse Thybulle would be a perfect addition. Known for his elite perimeter defense, Thybulle has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the league. He could help lock down opposing stars on the perimeter, allowing the Rockets to switch more defensively and improve their overall defensive rating. While his offense has been a work in progress, Thybulle has shown the ability to contribute as a catch-and-shoot player from three, making him a suitable fit in a 3-and-D role. For a team like the Rockets, who need a defensive identity, Thybulle could be a game-changer.
Cameron Johnson – Versatile Wing with Shooting Ability
Cameron Johnson is a player who has demonstrated a smooth, reliable jump shot and could provide immediate offensive value to the Rockets. The 6’9” forward has shown the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, hitting 39% of his three-point attempts in his career. Johnson also brings length, solid rebounding, and a high basketball IQ. His versatility would allow him to fit in at both the small forward and power forward positions, which could be crucial as the Rockets continue to develop their young core. Johnson is a solid defender and could complement players like Jabari Smith Jr. on the defensive end while also providing much-needed spacing on offense.
Bojan Bogdanović – Veteran Scorer and Stretch Forward
Bojan Bogdanović is another veteran who could make an immediate impact for the Rockets. A proven scorer, Bogdanović has averaged over 18 points per game in recent seasons and has been an excellent three-point shooter. His ability to stretch the floor with consistent perimeter shooting would be a huge asset to the Rockets’ offense, especially as they develop their young stars. On the defensive end, Bogdanović isn’t known for his prowess, but he has the size and experience to contribute as a team defender. Adding a veteran like him could help stabilize the Rockets’ offensive scheme and provide leadership for their younger players.
Conclusion
The Rockets’ use of the Mid-Level Exception is an opportunity to add a player who can accelerate their rebuild and help them become more competitive in the Western Conference. Whether it’s a versatile defender like Matisse Thybulle, a dynamic scorer like Kelly Oubre Jr., or a reliable shooter like Cameron Johnson, the Rockets should prioritize adding a player who can contribute immediately while also helping develop the team’s young core. By making the right acquisition, Houston can continue to build the foundation for long-term success while positioning themselves for future playoff contention.
