NBA Free Agency Rumors: Houston Rockets ‘serious threat’ to sign Chris Paul
The Houston Rockets are “serious threats” to sign the biggest free agent on the market.
We’re fast approaching the start of the NBA free agent period, which means rumors are going to run rampant over the next week. Chris Paul, who opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers last week, is the biggest name on the market and will have plenty of suitors come July 1.
One such suitor is the Houston Rockets.
The latest report from ESPN’s Marc Stein has the Rockets emerging as a strong contender for Paul, with James Harden helping with the recruitment process.
Story going online now: League sources tell me Houston has emerged as an increasingly serious threat to sign Chris Paul in free agency.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2017
League sources say James Harden is among those in Houston advocating for the signing of Chris Paul and has made that known to CP3 directly.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2017
The Rockets have long wanted to pair a second star with Harden after the union with Dwight Howard ended on a sour note. Harden, who finished second in MVP voting to Russell Westbrook, had a career year but seemed to tire in the playoffs.
Houston finished third in the Western Conference last season, but lost in the second round to the San Antonio Spurs. Harden’s no-show in Game 6 cast doubts on whether the star guard could continue at such a torrid pace over the long haul.
Adding Paul would certainly lighten Harden’s load, but would Harden be willing to accept a reduced role on offense? Harden ran Mike D’Antoni’s free-flowing system to perfection last year, but would be off the ball a bit more should Paul arrive.
The Rockets were reportedly looking to clear cap space last week in order to make room for a potential second star. Patrick Beverley, Houston’s current starting point guard, found himself at the center of most rumors throughout the week.
Next: Every NBA team's biggest celebrity fan
Along with Paul, Houston plans on taking a run at Kyle Lowry, Blake Griffin, Paul George, and basically everyone who has made an All-Star team in the past three seasons.