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Report: Rockets to sign Ryan Anderson to 4-year, $80-million deal

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have agreed to sign free-agent forward Ryan Anderson to a four-year, $80-million deal, The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The contract is fully guaranteed, with no early opt-outs for either side, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge.

Anderson, who the Rockets have coveted ever since it became clear they wouldn't be getting Kevin Durant, spent the past four seasons as the New Orleans Pelicans' sixth man. He averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and 1.1 assists off the bench this season, with a .427/.366/.873 shooting line.

The 28-year-old gives Houston a sweet-shooting stretch four to pair alongside dangerous dive man Clint Capela in the frontcourt, and Anderson's presence should help open things up for James Harden. Houston still has to decide what to do with restricted free-agent big man Donatas Motiejunas, but locking up Anderson provides them a good bit of insurance should Motiejunas sign an offer sheet they're unwilling or unable to match.

Anderson likely won't, however, help the team rectify two of its most damning flaws from the past couple years: defense and health. Anderson is a minus defender, who lacks the foot speed to corral wings on the perimeter, and the strength to outmuscle opposing big men in the post. He's also struggled over the years to stay on the floor. A variety of ailments - including neck surgery two years ago - have cost him 97 games over the last three seasons, and he's played more than 66 games just once in his eight-year career.

The Rockets are also pursuing Anderson's Pelicans teammate Eric Gordon, and are expected to meet with him on Saturday, Wojnarowski reports.

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