NBA Free Agency: 3 veteran free agents the Houston Rockets could still sign

Back in May, the Houston Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five years. The defeat was particularly frustrating as Golden State were without both Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins through respective injuries. So it didn't come as a surprise when multiple reports claimed the franchise were open to trading their entire roster in favor of a rebuild.

However, it was the Oklahoma City Thunder that entered rebuild mode and the Rockets took full advantage by exchanging Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook. The acquisition of a second superstar puts Mike D'Antoni's men in a strong position going into the new season, despite mighty competition in the West.

Yet aside from Westbrook's addition, the Rockets haven't done much to improve and further arrivals would be welcome ahead of their first game on October 24. So with just over two months until opening night, here are three free agents Houston could pursue:

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#3 Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah spent the 18/19 season in a reserve role with the Memphis Grizzlies

Clint Capela was among the names expected to leave Houston this summer, although the Rockets have instead lost their backup duo of Nene and Kenneth Faried. Tyson Chandler has been among their few signings, although the 36-year-old struggled during his most recent stint with the Lakers and is unlikely to play more than a handful of minutes each night.

This leaves D'Antoni with a shortage of quality at the five and Joakim Noah would add resistance to one of the NBA's weakest defensive units. A veteran's minimum deal should be enough to land the 34-year-old and should Noah put up similar numbers to what he averaged with the Grizzlies last year, he could prove to be a solid addition.

#2 Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin impressed during his reserve role with the Atlanta Hawks last year

James Harden and Russell Westbrook have both enjoyed historic usage rates over the past three seasons, with the duo set to dominate proceedings as Houston's backcourt. However, aside from Austin Rivers, they lack depth at the guard positions and are yet to bring in a backup point guard.

Jeremy Lin remains without a team since departing the Raptors following the postseason and despite failing to play regularly enough during Toronto's championship-winning run, Lin previously demonstrated his ability to make an impact from the bench during his 51-game spell with the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the season.

The 30-year-old is also a respectable three-point shooter (34%) and would provide the Rockets with some valuable minutes during the long regular season. Although recent reports suggest he has been attracting interest from Chinese teams, he could prove to be a useful addition to a roster lacking depth.

#1 Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala is keen to spend the upcoming season on a contending team

Andre Iguodala is currently signed to the Memphis Grizzlies, although the veteran is among the stars who continue to generate the most free agency buzz around the league due to the possibility of him being waved by Memphis. Iguodala is coming off a series of strong postseason performances and the 35-year-old has the potential to bring his knowledge and experience to a Houston locker room which lacks winners.

Up to this point, the Grizzlies have ruled out the possibility of a buyout, although both the franchise and Iguodala himself are keen to reach a solution with the new campaign fast approaching. The former 76ers star has been linked with both Los Angeles franchises, although the Rockets are seemingly a better fit as he'll command a bigger role there.

Ultimately, D'Antoni's men appear on the verge of a championship and Iguodala could prove to be the final piece.