PODCAST: After missing on Aldridge, Rockets focus on trades, re-signings

Houston GM Daryl Morey has yet to hit a home run in 2015 free agency, with LaMarcus Aldridge spurning the Rockets to sign with the rival Spurs. But as Houston enters 2015-16 coming off its first conference finals appearance in 18 years, is an overhaul essential?

Josh Reese of CBS Radio in Houston joins Sheridan Hoops writer Ben DuBose to share takeaways from Houston’s busy week of free agency, which included failed negotiations with Aldridge and Spanish guard Sergio Llull while retaining swingman Corey Brewer (3 years, $24 million) and point guard Pat Beverley (4 years, $23 million).

Beverley, of course, was one of two injured starters absent from the Rockets during their extended playoff run. Josh helps me break down whether the additions of Beverley and forward Donatas Motiejunas, assuming health, could be enough to compete with other elite Western teams like the Spurs and Warriors.

OTHER TOPICS EXPLORED:

• Why cap flexibility, rather than cap space, is becoming the new NBA model
• Could Beverley’s deal be one of the steals of free agency?
• Does Aldridge landing in San Antonio put pressure on the Rockets to upgrade?
• Examining the West’s hierarchy after Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan’s departures
• Why didn’t Llull make the leap from Real Madrid to the NBA?
• With Llull off the board and the free-agent pool dwindling, who are Houston's possible PG targets and what players might Morey offer to land one?
• Is Josh Smith coming back? If not, what alternatives are out there?
• Among their FAs, the Rockets seem to be prioritizing K.J. McDaniels ahead of Smith. Right call?