The Houston Rockets made a major foray into free agency last July with significant investments in veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Don't expect any sort of second spending spree this summer.
Houston entered free agency with little restrictions last year, operating below the salary cap. As such, the Rockets simply signed VanVleet and Brooks into their open space with no complications. The current salary structure creates a more complex situation. Houston is over the salary cap but under the luxury tax, subsequently afforded a $12.9 million mid-level exception. I'd be surprised if the exception is used, however, with the composition of Houston's roster providing an easy explanation.