Rockets refuse to execute Holiday player option, re-sign a lower price contract to guide Shepherd

On June 30, according to NBA reporter Michael Scotto, the Rockets refused to execute guard Aaron Holiday's $4.9 million team option. The reporter said that the Rockets did not give up Holiday and would sign a one-year contract with him to return Holiday to the Rockets. Head coach Uduka still recognizes Holiday's personal ability. The last middle-class special case was given to Holiday, and now he is signed back to Holiday, which is a recognition of him.

According to the Rockets' arrangement, it may be re-signed to Holiday in a contract of less than $4.9 million, allowing him to use his abilities. After the Rockets traded Jaylen Green, the team needed more shooters and defenders, so the team needed to keep Holiday. In the 2024-25 season, Holiday played 62 games for the Rockets, averaging 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting percentage of 44.7% and three-point shooting percentage of 38.8%, making him a good substitute.

In fact, Holiday is not very valuable. The Rockets put more hope on Shepard, and leaving Holiday may be used to guide Shepard. Previous reports said that the Rockets management has determined to give Shepard more playing time next season. Therefore, the Rockets will not give Holiday a long-term contract with a high salary, hoping that he can reach the defender position in the short term and coach Shepard. The Rockets are now very short of players in the position of point guard. The White Devil may have been given up and can only count on Shepard or introduce a shooter.

The Rockets renewed their contract with Aquaman Adams this season and traded for Durant. The team is no longer satisfied with the playoffs, but wants to win the championship, so they have to give up Jaylen Green. The Rockets' next plan is to introduce a defensive wing to replace Dillon Brooks, and currently focus on Finney Smith.