Houston Rockets swingman Corey Brewer has agreed to sign a three-year, $24 million deal to remain on the team, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports announces.
"I'm happy, so happy. Just glad to be a Rocket," Brewer said.
Brewer was one of the best mid-season acquisitions for the Rockets last year after the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Troy Daniels and multiple second-round picks.
Bringing Brewer back was key for the Rockets. He and Josh Smith accounted for most of the bench depth and both of them produced at a high level. Brewer is acknowledged for his outstanding hustle, energy, and defense.
Brewer, 29, played 56 contests in a Rockets uniform, and despite his minutes decreasing, he was still far more productive than he was when with the Timberwolves. He averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 25.1 minutes for Houston.
With James Harden running the offense, Brewer was simply able to fit in as a spot up shooter on that end of the floor while accepting the challenge of defending some of the top players in the league on a nightly basis.
Brewer was reportedly proposed more money by the Sacramento Kings, but he rejected their offer to rejoin the Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers were also targeting Brewer.
Patrick Beverley, who is a restricted free agent, is also on Sacramento’s radar and the two sides are nearing a deal, according to Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com. However, Houston can match any offer if Beverley accepts the Kings’ deal.
Another major Rockets player who is a free agent is the aforementioned Josh Smith. He played a huge part in Houston’s playoff run that unfortunately came to an end in the Western Conference Finals. Surely, the Rockets would like to unite Smith with Brewer to keep the bench tandem together. Teams have yet to show much interest in Smith, and the Rockets haven’t talked to him either.