The Rockets have signed 34-year old center Brad Miller to a 3-year, $15 million dollar deal. Miller played in 82 games (37 starts) for the Bulls last season and he averaged 23.8 minutes, 8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He has now played in 793 games (592 starts) in his 12 years in the NBA and he has averaged 29.5 minutes, 11.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. This was a outstanding signing for the Rockets as Miller gives them a great insurance policy against Yao Ming’s foot. This also allows the Rockets to rest Yao more as Miller is a pretty darn good center himself.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed 24-year old point guard Kyle Lowry to a 4-year, $24 million dollar offer sheet. Lowry played in 68 games (0 starts) for the Rockets last season and he averaged 24.3 minutes, 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He has played in 96 games (0 starts) in his two years with the Rockets and he has averaged 23.5 minutes, 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. It will be interesting to see if the Rockets are willing to pony up the kind of cash the Cavs are offering for a guy who will be a backup for them.

UPDATE: (7/15/2010) - The Rockets didn’t take too long to think about it as they have matched the Cavaliers offer to Lowry.