Houston Rockets Rumors: Russell Westbrook blockbuster trade is a possibility, Veteran center emerges as free agent target and more

After being bounced from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five years, multiple reports claimed that the Houston Rockets were willing to trade every member of the roster. However, flash forward a month and Houston have yet to trade away any of their most significant assets, while their longtime adversary in Golden State has lost DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant.

Suddenly, the Rockets look like they could have a shot to win it all next season, and Daryl Morley appears willing to upgrade his roster after failing to bring Jimmy Butler back to Houston. While Houston has been largely quiet in free agency, trades are likely, and here is all the latest Rockets rumors you need to know.

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Russell Westbrook is a trade target

Oklahoma City Thunder v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Two

Just a few days ago, the LA Clippers stunned the NBA by luring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to Los Angeles. The move has instantly put the Clippers among the teams to beat in the West, while the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be heading in the opposite direction.

With the Thunder's chances of competing seemingly over, General Manager Sam Presti has discussed a possible trade with Russell Westbrook, and Tim MacMahon of ESPN is reporting that the Rockets are among the interested teams:

The Houston Rockets are among the teams interested in trading for Oklahoma City All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook... A source said that (Chris) Paul would not necessarily need to be involved in a deal that delivers Westbrook to the Rockets, although his $38.5 million salary is a perfect match with Westbrook's.

Westbrook, 30, has averaged a triple-double in three consecutive seasons. He has four years left on his current contract, and a move to Houston would reunite him with his former OKC teammate in James Harden.

Tyson Chandler could bolster center depth

Tyson Chandler spent the 18-19 season as the Lakers' backup center

Whether or not Clint Capela stays in free agency, the Rockets are short on bigs. Nene is unlikely to come back after declining his player option for the 19-20, while Kenneth Faried appears to be seeking a bigger payday elsewhere.

With a lack of cap space available, the Rockets will be forced to search the remaining free agent pool, and ESPN is reporting that the team is interested in signing Tyson Chandler:

Tyson Chandler is also a likely target for the Rockets in their search for backup big, a source told ESPN. He has a reputation as a great locker room guy and has a strong relationship with Paul from when they played together in New Orleans.

Chandler spent much of the previous season playing as back up to JaVale McGee with the Lakers. Over 48 appearances (6 starts), the 36-year-old averaged 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting almost 60% from the field.

Andre Iguodala is a target although a deal remains complicated

Andre Iguodala was among the Warriors' standout performers during the 2019 NBA Finals

While Golden State fans were reacting to the departure of Kevin Durant, reports emerged that the team was also losing Andre Iguodala. However, unlike KD, Iguodala had no say in the matter as he was sent to the Memphis Grizzlies as the Warriors desperately cleared the necessary cap space to sign D'Angelo Russell.

Evidently, the 35-year-old has little value to a team that won't be contenders for the foreseeable future, and while the Rockets are among the interested teams, Iguodala won't be handed a buyout:

The Memphis Grizzlies do not intend to give forward Andre Iguodala a buyout before the season and are actively exploring the trade market for the former Finals MVP. The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are among the teams with interest in Iguodala, sources said.

The Lakers have also been credited with an interest in the 2015 MVP. However, it remains to be seen if contending teams will be willing to give up assets for an aging star who has struggled with injuries over the past 24 months.