The big pieces of free agency are all on a stand still while the cream of the free agent crop decide what they want to do. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James haven’t decided, or narrowed the field, but teams are beginning to get strong indications that they’re out of the running.
The Houston Rockets were in play for both, but with Carmelo reportedly down to the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks and LeBron deciding between the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Rockets are moving on.
And they’re Plan B is James’ Heat running buddy Chris Bosh.
ESPN sources say Rockets are "heavily engaged" with Chris Bosh in attempt to get Bosh to leave Heat in free agency. Story hits online soon
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2014
Story co-scribed w/ @ramonashelburne details how Rockets have intensified their pursuit of Bosh even though Melo hasn't told them no yet
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2014
Of course this all depends on if LeBron decides to leave Miami, and ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports that the murmurs he is hearing seem to indicate that the Cavaliers might be pulling ahead in the LeBron James sweepstakes.
Rockets understand that realistic shot at Bosh depends on LeBron leaving Heat. But they clearly aren't waiting to see what LeBron decides
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2014