NBA Rumors: Francisco Garcia to opt out of Houston Rockets’ deal
The Houston Rockets are looking to make the big offseason splash for the third consecutive offseason.
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In 2012, the Rockets landed guard James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder after the Thunder decided they did not want to give Harden max money. Then, in 2013, they signed former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers’ center Dwight Howard away from the Lakers.
However, after a first round playoff loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Rockets know they need to improve to truly become a contender and they are focused on acquiring another star to add to Harden and Howard. They have focused on New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, Miami Heat forward LeBron James and possibly Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love.
That’s why the Rockets are attempting to save money and are hoping their players with options will be opting out.
According to Sam Amick of The USA Today, swingman Francisco Garcia will be opting out of the final year of his contract, which would have been worth $1.3 million.
Addendum No. 2 on Houston (a day after No. 1):Agent Aaron Goodwin says Francisco Garcia still intends to pass up $1.3 ml option for '14-15
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 22, 2014
Every little bit of $ helps, & Garcia's choice gives Rockets that much more flexibility as they try for free agency full court shot.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 22, 2014
As Amick points out, saving money anywhere could help the Rockets prepare a max contract offer for Anthony or James and they could always back and sign players like Garcia with exceptions or even go over the salary cap to keep their own free agents.
Garcia averaged 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from the floor, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 52.6% from the free throw line.