The Houston Rockets signed Marcus Thornton earlier this offseason to add depth to their backcourt. At the time they said that signing Thornton would have no effect on negotiations with Jason Terry and while it may not have that Thornton signing has become huge. Terry reportedly has an offer from the New Orleans Pelicans which he is strongly considering at this point as he is unhappy with the Rockets offer according to Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston.
The Rockets offer to Terry is reportedly for $1.49 million which is the league minimum while the Pelicans have the ability to offer him $2.13 million. Terry reportedly called the Rockets offer insufficient and is now seriously considering not coming back to the Rockets.
Terry was a big part of the Rockets last season as he became the starting point guard during the playoffs after Patrick Beverley was lost for the season with an injury. The Rockets have since gotten Beverley back, signed Thornton and acquired Ty Lawson via trade so their need for Terry isn't as pressing but he is still a good guy to have on a team that has championship aspirations as he has been there before and he is a true leader.
The Pelicans on the other hand only have three guards currently on their roster in Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans. The expectation has been that they would re-sign Norris Cole to be one of their backup guards but that is not a guarantee. Cole is a restricted free agent and the Pelicans want him back but there have been other teams interested like the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks so it is possible Cole signs elsewhere.
Offering Terry a contract gives the Pelicans options. Terry would bring a veteran presence to a team that largely had their first taste of the playoffs last season and would be a solid backup behind either Gordon, Holiday or Evans. It is still very likely that the Pelicans bring back Cole as they can match any offer on him, but Terry is a nice hedge just in case and it is also not out of the realm of possibility that they bring both guys in.
The difference between the two offers Terry has reportedly received is not that much money so it still seems likely that he will go back to the Rockets. The fact that Terry is considering the Pelicans offer could be a negotiating ploy but it is also possible that Terry sees New Orleans as a team he can really help take to the next level. Both teams would likely still be successful without Terry but he would be a nice addition to either team and his championship pedigree cannot be overlooked.
