The Houston Rockets are expected to chase power forwards Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency this summer. Kevin Love opted out of hus current contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and it is becoming more and more obvious that Aldridge doesn’t want to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers. The story was first reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein:
Hearing ever-aggressive Rockets are plotting ways to try to crash this summer's free-agent chases for both Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 25, 2015
However, they’re going to have to maneuver carefully as they aren’t exactly enjoying a lot of cap space flexibility:
Cap space is not Houston's friend at the moment, but word is they will try to get in the mix for both Love and Aldridge as Rockets often do
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 25, 2015
If the Rockets are absolutely serious about signing Love or Aldridge they will most likely have to shed the salary of Terrence Jones, who got the majority minutes at power forward when he was healthy last season. Stein had also reported that Houston is trying to dump Jones’ salary and pairing it up with the 18th overall pick in a trade. Forward Trevor Ariza would also likely have to be dealt and they would most likely lose depth since they would have to waive Kostas Papanikolau and Pablo Prigioni.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is one of the most aggressive GMs and tried to acquire as much star power as possible every offseason. He nearly lured in Chris Bosh, but he is still looking for his star power forward. Aldridge hasn’t been reported to be linked with Houston, but he does prefer to play with a team from his home state of Texas. Love had been expected to opt out so no one even knows if he’s going to test the market or just resign with Cleveland. Sure who wouldn’t love to contend for a title in Houston with James Harden and Dwight Howard but it’s looking like a long shot that they acquire either Love or Aldridge at this point.
UPDATE
The Houston Rockets have also made the 18th overall pick in tonight’s draft available, to help solidify their pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love according to Ken Berger of CBSSports:
As the Rockets look to clear room for free-agent pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love, No. 18 pick is available, sources say.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 25, 2015
