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Rockets' Fertitta: 'There's no reason to blow up' our roster

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty

Tilman Fertitta is adamant the Houston Rockets' roster won't undergo any major changes while the team's window of contention remains open.

"You have James Harden and Russell Westbrook and you have almost 90% of your salaries tied up in them and Eric Gordon,” the team's owner said, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen. "But anytime you have players like Eric, P.J. (Tucker), James, and Russell, there’s no reason to blow up your roster."

The Rockets made significant managerial moves following a second-round playoff exit after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Just over a month after head coach Mike D'Antoni announced he wouldn't be returning to the organization, general manager Daryl Morey followed suit by stepping down.

Former executive vice president of basketball operations Rafael Stone replaced Morey internally, and the team is still searching for a head coach. Jeff Van Gundy, John Lucas, and Stephen Silas are reportedly the finalists for the job.

The club's next bench boss will face immediate championship expectations.

"This is still our window, the next couple years. James and Russell are in their early 30s," Fertitta added. "We’re not blowing up anything. We plan on contending."

Houston currently owns the NBA's longest streak of consecutive playoff berths at eight seasons. The Rockets have made a pair of appearances in the Western Conference finals during that stretch, losing twice to the Golden State Warriors.

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