NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets to target Dirk Nowitzki in free agency
With the Houston Rockets allowing Chandler Parsons to test the market by way of restricted free agency, Daryl Morey and company are allowing themselves to target some big name free agents and one of the names that has popped up on their radar per Adrian Wojnarowsi of Yahoo! Sports is Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki.
"For the Rockets, there are two distinct advantages to letting Parsons into restricted free agency now. First, Houston is determined to clear the necessary salary cap space this summer to chase a third maximum contract free agent to join Dwight Howard and James Harden, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.Houston plans to pursue the major stars who could be available upon opting out of deals, including Miami’s LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and New York’s Carmelo Anthony, league sources said. Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be a target too."
For those who are unaware, Dirk Nowitzki will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Few have speculated any possible free agent designations due to the likely hood of him re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks especially with Nowitzki signaling he’d take a pay cut to remain with the franchise he’s been with his entire career.
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“At this point of my career, it’s all about competing and winning,” Nowitzki said. “It’s not about money. Obviously, Cuban took care of me for a long, long time. I always tried to pay him back by hard playing and being here for this franchise, so I don’t think we’re going to fight over money.”
Nowitzki made $22.7 million last season, the second highest salary in 2013-14 behind Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
The addition of Nowitzki is a fine idea for the Rockets as he brings a third scorer to the starting lineup, but Dirk doesn’t fill any of the glaring holes in the Rockets that were shown in the opening round of the playoffs versus the Portland Trial Blazers, those holes being perimeter defenders, secondary ball-handlers, and bench depth.
But if Nowitzki comes at a discount price, there’s no reason for Daryl Morey not to chase the 2011 Finals MVP, regardless of their chances of landing him.