Houston Rockets Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Carmelo Talks Between Knicks, Rockets ‘Fairly Dormant’

August 24th, 2017 at 1:04pm CST by Luke Adams

Trade discussions between the Knicks and Rockets regarding Carmelo Anthony have been “fairly dormant” as of late, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (video link). Wojnarowski suggests that the Rockets have been unsuccessful to date in their search to find a third or fourth team to facilitate a potential deal.

Back in July, as they brought aboard former Kings executive Scott Perry and made other changes to their front office, the Knicks put Anthony trade talks on hold. However, once Perry got settled and the Knicks re-assessed their options, the team re-engaged with the Rockets.

Although the lines of communication are once again open between the Knicks and Rockets, the same roadblocks remain in place. As has been the case all summer, New York has no interest in taking back Ryan Anderson‘s contract, and it would be difficult for the Rockets to match salaries without including the veteran sharpshooter. Houston would have to find a third team to take on Anderson, but that appears to have been a dead end so far.

Anthony holds a no-trade clause and the Rockets have long been his preferred destination. In the wake of this week’s Kyrie Irving trade, there has been speculation that Carmelo may once again become open to the idea of going to the Cavs, but even if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause for Cleveland, it would be a challenge for the Cavs and Knicks to find a deal that appeals to both teams.

While the Cavs were able to find a trade partner for Irving with a month to go before training camp, the Knicks and Rockets are preparing for the possibility that Anthony may still be a Knick when camp opens in late September, per Wojnarowski.

Cavaliers May Have Improved Chances For Carmelo Anthony

August 23rd, 2017 at 10:02pm CST by Arthur Hill

Carmelo Anthony could take another look at the Cavaliers after Tuesday’s Kyrie Irving trade, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post.

Anthony had originally named Cleveland and Houston as teams he was willing to waive his no-trade clause to join, but he later trimmed that list to just the Rockets.

However, the package of assets the Cavs acquired from Boston makes them a more attractive trading partner for the Knicks and maybe a better destination for Anthony, according to Berman.

He adds that Cleveland only wanted to talk about Kristaps Porzingis when New York tried to get in on the Irving sweepstakes, but the Cavaliers may have more interest in picking up Anthony for a one-year run at a title before he, LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas all possibly become free agents next summer.

Berman also speculates that Anthony might be getting “antsy” while waiting for Houston to come up with a third, and maybe fourth, team to facilitate a deal.

The Knicks would love to pick up Cleveland’s Jae Crowder, Berman adds, although he can’t be traded for 60 days. Also, the Nets’ first-rounder that the Cavs acquired frees them to trade their own 2018 pick. New York may also have interest in taking back former first-round choice Iman Shumpert now that ex-president Phil Jackson is no longer in the front office.

Berman notes that an Anthony buyout is unlikely with Steve Mills as president, so a trade will be needed to get the unhappy star out of town. However, that may change if no deal is made before the February deadline and the team decides the savings are worth it, although his $27,928,140 option year would still count against the cap.

Elvin Hayes Involved In Group Trying To Buy Rockets

August 22nd, 2017 at 1:16pm CST by Luke Adams

Another potential investor of note has been linked to the Rockets, as Hall-of-Famer Elvin Hayes confirmed to Fox 26 Houston that he is part of a group that is looking to buy the franchise. As Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston details, the 12-time NBA All-Star confirmed that he and his group recently met with Rockets CEO Tad Brown.

“We have met with the Rockets, and had a very cordial and a very nice, in-depth visit,” Hayes said. “We feel good about our meeting with the Rockets, and I think they felt good with us. … We have some very strong people in this group. We could do some very good things with this organization, with this team.”

Hayes, who played his college ball at the University of Houston before joining the Rockets, is one of a handful of Houston athletes and celebrities who have expressed some interest in getting involved with the purchase of the franchise. Beyoncé, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Dikembe Mutombo are among the others linked to the Rockets sale within the last month and a half.

Of course, like those other big names, Hayes wouldn’t have the means to be the primary stakeholder in the franchise, so his group figures to include at least one person capable of making that kind of investment. Hayes declined to identify members of his group, but suggested that Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta – who previously expressed interest in buying the Rockets – would make for a good owner if Hayes’ group doesn’t win out.

“If we are not fortunate enough to be successful in this endeavor, I feel that Tilman would be a person that could really bring great benefit to this basketball team and this city,” Hayes said. “If we are not where we need to be, I feel that Tilman would be the person really to do amazing things with this basketball team.”

Dan Friedkin and Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale are among the other big-money investors who are said to have some interest in making a bid for the Rockets, who were put up for sale in July by current owner Leslie Alexander.

Rockets Sign Demetrius Jackson To Two-Way Deal

August 21st, 2017 at 4:22pm CST by Luke Adams

AUGUST 21, 4:22PM: The signing is official, the team tweets.

JULY 28, 11:08PM: Two weeks after being waived by the Celtics, Demetrius Jackson has found a new home. According to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link), Jackson has agreed to terms on a two-way contract with the Rockets.

Jackson, who will turn 23 in September, was the 45th overall pick in the 2016 draft and signed an NBA contract with the Celtics. However, given the crowded depth chart in Boston, the Notre Dame product didn’t see much action for the C’s, briefly appearing in just five games. He did play in 32 games for the Maine Red Claws, averaging 14.8 PPG, 6.0 APG, and 5.1 RPG in the G League.

With the Celtics adding several new players to the roster this offseason, there wasn’t room for Jackson, whose salary was partially guaranteed. His new two-way contract with the Rockets will have a modest starting salary, but taking into account the money he’s still earning from the Celtics, Jackson could end up earning close to the NBA minimum if he spends a portion of the season with Houston’s NBA team.

Jackson worked out earlier this week for the Hornets, who were on the lookout for a possible third point guard.

For more details on how two-way contracts work, be sure to check out our FAQ.

James Harden Talks Chris Paul, Rockets, Summer 17

August 20th, 2017 at 4:02pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Chris Paul, who had the ability to become a free agent this offseason, informed the Clippers in June that he would not be returning to the club. Instead, he intended to go to the Rockets, which prompted Los Angeles to trade him to Houston prior to him activating his Early Termination Option.

James Harden played a key role in bringing Paul to Houston. The 2016/17 MVP runner up discussed the acquisition with Sam Amick of USA Today, telling the scribe that he spoke with Paul about forming a dynamic backcourt.

“I just knew that in the summertime obviously [Paul] was a free agent, and I wanted to see where his head was,” Harden said of Paul. “He didn’t seem happy, so after that we just took it from there.”

Harden continued, telling Amick that he feels the move puts the team in a position to match up with Golden State, the conference’s 3-time reigning champ.

“Obviously Golden State has been in the Finals and won two out of three, so that’s what everybody is trying to build-up against. But we’re right there. We’re right there. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do, but it definitely puts us in a better chance,” the 27-year-old added.

Harden understands that playing alongside someone as great as Paul is a huge opportunity. Paul can become a free agent at the end of next season, so there’s no telling whether the 2017/18 campaign will be the only one where the two share a backcourt. Harden, who has made several changes to his offseason routine, including the addition of yoga and pilates, isn’t going to take the opportunity for granted.

“Every summer, it’s about getting better and putting yourself in a position to last an entire season,” Harden said.“I know how exciting this season is [going to be, and] I know how important it is, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I have a lot of charity [events], a lot of things going on, but when I’m in that gym that’s kind of my getaway. That’s kind of when I’m locked in.”

Mutual Interest Between Josh Smith, Rockets?

August 20th, 2017 at 11:50am CST by Arthur Hill

Josh Smith may be ready to sign up for his third tour of duty with the Rockets, tweets Kelly Iko of EPSN 97.5 in Houston. Iko adds that the the veteran forward is “very interested” in returning to the team, and an agreement could be reached soon.

Smith spent part of last season with the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association. He appeared in 26 games before leaving the team in late January.

Smith’s last NBA experience came with the Rockets at the end of the 2015/16 season after the team picked him up in a midseason trade with the Clippers. Smith played in 23 games, mostly as a reserve, and averaged 6.6 points and 2.9 rebounds.

He also played for Houston for part of the 2014/15 season after agreeing to a buyout with the Pistons. Smith appeared in 55 games that year and helped the team reach the Western Conference finals.

Smith, who will receive $5.4MM annually from Detroit through the 2019/20 season, has been working out with Rockets players in Houston while trying to get another shot at the NBA.

Western Notes: Jackson, Harden, Muhammad, Wolves, Clippers Arena

August 19th, 2017 at 3:15pm CST by Joshua Fischman

Rumors of the Suns trading promising rookie Josh Jackson for Kyrie Irving should be put to rest, writes Greg Moore of AZCentral.com. Moore writes that Jackson and Devin Booker each create a sense of “awe and wonder,” making anyone who watches them dream of the future.

The Arizona-based scribe argues that the manner in which coach Earl Watson talks about Jackson comes off much more as genuine optimism for the future than big talk to boost trade value.

“I love Josh Jackson,” Watson said Monday. “Something about him is just uncommon.” Devin Booker, meanwhile, “always had that edge.” “(Those) two together are going to be great young guys who can push other guys to become better because they’re so inner competitive,” Watson said.

Watson joked in response to being asked about a rumor that Jackson had grown two inches since being drafted: But “if he did, we love it, and even if he didn’t … let’s build the legend. Yeah, he grew. Absolutely. He’s like 7 feet now … anyone coming up against him should be intimidated by his constant growth vertically, in height, and ability to play above the rim.”

In a recent interview, Jackson addressed the trade talk, saying, “I think if that was going to happen, it would have happened by now.” However, he also said: “I’m going to make the best of whatever situation that I’m presented with. If I’m traded to China, whatever, I’m going to come out, and I’m going to be happy and just try to make the best of it.”

Here are more notes from the Western Conference:

James Harden is more fit and fired up than ever, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. “I know how exciting this season is (going to be, and) I know how important it is, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I have a lot of charity (events), a lot of things going on, but when I’m in that gym that’s kind of my getaway. That’s kind of when I’m locked in,” Harden said. The Rockets‘ 2017 postseason ended with concerns over Harden’s fatigue and stamina.
Shabazz Muhammad may have to settle for a short-term “prove-it” deal for next season, writes Michael Rand of The Star Tribune. Heading into the offseason, coach Tom Thibodeau used the word “optimistic” when discussing re-signing Muhammad. However, in July, the wing’s rights were renounced. On Wednesday, Timberwolves signee Jamal Crawford tweeted Muhammad, “c’mon back home.”
The mayor of Inglewood and the four other council members unanimously approved a revised agreement with a Clippers-controlled company to shrink the four-block area where an arena could be built so homes and a church aren’t displaced, reports Nathan Fenno of The Los Angeles Times. More than a dozen citizens had raised concerns about the potential arena before the vote took place.

Southwest Notes: Harden, Anthony, Irving

August 18th, 2017 at 2:25pm CST by ChrisCrouse

GM Daryl Morey recently praised James Harden for his role as a recruiter, telling ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on his podcast (h/t Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders) that Harden “understands the plan,” adding that “he wants to execute for the team he’s leading.”

Hamilton notes that Harden had a hand in recruiting Chris Paul to the Rockets and his involvement in bringing Carmelo Anthony to Houston will be crucial. The Rockets don’t have an array of young, promising talent to offer the Knicks, so the probable way to get Anthony in Houston is for the 10-time All-Star to force his way onto the team, something that appears is already happening. That likely doesn’t occur without Harden and Anthony being on the same page.

Here’s more from the Southwest Division:

Landing Anthony is not a sure thing for the Rockets and Hamilton examines what other talent the team could pursue should they find themselves unable to swing a deal with New York. DeMarcus Cousins, who will be a free agent after the season, could be an option. Hamilton also names Kenneth Faried and Jahlil Okafor as frontcourt players who could be targets.
Hall of Famer David Robinson believes the Spurs would be “crazy not to want” Kyrie Irving on the team, as he said on SiriusXM NBA Radio (h/t Inquirer.net). “I certainly think you add a talent like that to a system that can … enhance his impact in the game and make him more efficient,” Robinson said of the point guard. San Antonio is on Irving’s short list of destinations where he would like to be traded.

Friedkin Interested In Buying Franchise

August 14th, 2017 at 8:09pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Billionaire Dan Friedkin has expressed interest in buying the Rockets, Mark Berman of Fox26Houston.com reports. Friedkin is owner and CEO of Gulf States Toyota and the president and CEO of the Friedkin Group. Forbes lists his net worth at $3.1 billion. Owner Leslie Alexander announced last month that the team was up for sale.

And-Ones: Offseason Winners, Losers

August 11th, 2017 at 4:35pm CST by Austin Kent

There were no shortage of teams that made big moves in an effort to improve this offseason but the squad that improved its standing the most is Tom Thibodeau‘s Timberwolves, an ESPN report says.

The worldwide leader in sports put the Wolves well ahead of the second-place Sixers who edged out the Nuggets. Also on ESPN’s list were the Bucks, Thunder and Lakers.

It’s hard to disagree with the fact that the Timberwolves took the top honors, the impact that Jimmy Butler will have is almost indisputable.

The Sixers and Nuggets, too, will welcome big names to their lineup, Philly’s of course coming via the past two drafts and Denver’s in the form of free agent Paul Millsap.

There’s more from around the NBA:

Turmoil in the locker room could cost the Cavaliers big time, an ESPN report states. The Cavs are considered the team most likely to be adversely affected by off-court moves and issues in 2017/18, ahead of the Knicks, Pelicans, Clippers, Bulls and Rockets.
A number of stars will suit up for new squads this season but the biggest addition of the offseason has been Houston’s landmark acquisition of Chris Paul. An ESPN report breaks down why the Rockets fared so well this offseason.
An ESPN report suggests that the Hornets‘ decision to acquire Dwight Howard may not bear fruit. Due to concerns about his fit in the modern era, he’s the most likely candidate to be the least effective individual to have changed addresses this summer.