How it helps: The [Rockets] will have a bit more cap space than they expected. But it would help a lot more if they could go back in time and use the amnesty rule on Tracy McGrady.

How it hurts: The Rockets watched many of their competitors receive a mulligan on bad contracts, but they don't have any of their own. Plus, based on past history, the $3 million annual limit on putting cash in trades will hurt Houston as much as any team except perhaps Portland.

Immediate impact (this season): Houston can pursue free agent Nene and amnesty Hasheem Thabeet if it succeeds. Otherwise, the Rockets' main motivation remains packaging assets to get a perennial All-Star via trade, meaning little change to their blueprint.

Long-term impact (future seasons): As a high-revenue team that won't pay tax this year or next, Houston may be able to spend freely just as its competition needs to tighten the purse strings to avoid repeat-offender status. The Rockets will hang on to their amnesty to guard against a sudden decline from Luis Scola, who is 31 and has at least three years and $28 million guaranteed left on his deal.