Southwest Notes: Rockets, Adams, Grizzlies, Mavs

During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio (SoundCloud link), Rockets general manager Daryl Morey suggested that his team is “ready-made to add another star-level player” to complement James Harden. Morey pointed to the size of the Houston market, the presence of Harden (and several solid role players), and the arrival of coach Mike D’Antoni as reasons why top-tier free agents would be interested in joining the Rockets.

“If [Dwight Howard] chooses to come back, I think we’ve already shown that combination can win 56 and make the Western Conference Finals,” the Rockets GM said. “If he chooses to opt out and we can’t get him back in free agency, then we’re ready-made to add a star level player. We have the cap room.”

Here’s more from out of the Southwest division:

• Grizzlies guard Jordan Adams has appeared in only 32 games during his first two NBA seasons, and his availability for the start of the 2016/17 season could be up in the air as well. The Grizzlies announced in a Wednesday press release that Adams was undergoing cartilage transplant surgery on his right knee. No recovery timetable was revealed, but GM Chris Wallace called it “difficult news for Jordan and our organization.”
• Small forward will probably be the Grizzlies‘ biggest position of need this summer, according to Chris Herrington of The Commercial Appeal, who examines Memphis’ options and suggests the team is more likely to add a starting three via free agency or trade than in the draft.
• Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News identifies five potential free agent targets that he believes are attainable and logical fits for the Mavericks, including Ryan Anderson, Pau Gasol, and Kent Bazemore.
• Keith P. Smith of RealGM.com previews the Spurs‘ summer, noting that the team’s offseason direction will hinge on whether Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili retire or decide to return for one more year.