Houston Rockets free agency, trade rumors 2016: Jason Terry not receiving new deal

(Reuters/Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)The Houston Rockets are likely not re-signing veteran point guard Jason Terry (center) this off-season.

The Houston Rockets are not bringing back a veteran for the 2016-17 season as they reportedly told point guard Jason Terry that he will not be signed to a contract. 

According to a report by ESPN, the Rockets currently have 13 signed players on their roster. That will reach 15 once another veteran playmaker in Pablo Prigioni and center Donatas Motiejūnas (a restricted free agent) are inked to deals.

If that happens, two players will be without contracts for Houston. One of them is Terry and the other is forward Josh Smith.

Perhaps one reason why the Rockets are not re-signing Terry is because they already have a new backup at the no. 1 position with the impending signing of Prigioni. Patrick Beverley is expected to secure the starting job at point guard and the arriving 39-year-old Argentine will be his support.

This free agency, guard Eric Gordon also headed to Houston. Gordon's versatility allows him to play the no. 1 and 2 positions. 

There are also times when Rockets superstar James Harden takes over the ball handling duties.

This leaves Terry the odd one out and that might be why the Rockets are no longer considering granting him a new contract. 

Terry spent the past two seasons with the Rockets, and last season, he played in 72 games (seven starts). He averaged 5.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.5 minutes of action per outing.

It is uncertain if this is true but if the Rockets are not aiming to keep Terry, then he will be available on the market. However, finding a new team is a difficult task now for the 38-year-old. 

Terry's time in Houston went well but it is unimpressive and this did not help improve his value now that he is entering free agency. 

Franchises in search of veteran leadership and presence might be the ones pursuing Terry when he officially leaves Houston. 

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