NBA Free Agency: 3 Players the Houston Rockets are currently targeting

For the fourth time in five years, the Houston Rockets are coming off a season in which they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors. However, this season's 4-2 series defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals was particularly disappointing as the Warriors were without both Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins for large periods.

Following Houston's exit, reports emerged claiming that the franchise was open to trading its entire roster, and while the Rockets will find it difficult to move the remaining three years of Chris Paul's deal, both Clint Capela and Eric Gordon could make way.

The Rockets are also active in the free agent market, and Mike D'Antoni's roster could look very different for the start of the 19-20 season. So, ahead of a pivotal summer in Houston, here are three players that the team is pursuing in free agency.

#1 Kevon Looney

Kevon Looney has continued his rapid development over the past year

Ahead of free agency, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr described Kevon Looney as a "foundational piece" of the Warriors future. However, with the franchise focused on keeping Kevin Durant, extending Looney's stay may take a backseat, and Marc Stein of the New York Times is reporting that the Rockets are interested.

During the 18-19 season, Looney averaged 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, although his numbers were impacted due to playing with the likes of Stephen Curry and Daymond Green.

Since being chosen 30th overall in the 2016 draft, Looney's role in Steve Kerr's team has steadily increased, and at times, he was even preferred to DeMarcus Cousins during the NBA Finals.

Still just 23, Looney also has plenty of time to further develop, and he would inject some much-needed youth into an aging Rockets roster.

#2 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee enjoyed a solid season with the Los Angeles Lakers

JaVale McGee opted to leave the Golden State Warriors for the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, and the veteran center impressed as he was given a more prominent role. In total, McGee played 75 times, averaging 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and the 31-year-old offered immense value for his veteran's minimum salary.

However, with the Lakers looking to upgrade their roster this month, McGee is unlikely to return for a second year, and Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Rockets are interested.

McGee is likely to be available for a near basement salary, and while he offers no threat from beyond the arc, the veteran will provide effort at both ends of the court. The Flint native will attract plenty of interest, although it appears that the Rockets could have the advantage after moving quickly.

#3 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler impressed during his spell with the Philadelphia 76ers

Jimmy Butler has overcome the odds to enjoy a successful career, and the 29-year-old is entering free agency as one of the NBA's most in-demand players. The Philadelphia 76ers can offer Butler a five-year, $190 million deal, while other teams are limited to a four-year contract worth around $141 million.

Nevertheless, Butler is believed to be keen to explore his options, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the All-Star will meet with both the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets.

Despite turning 30 later this year, Butler is playing the best basketball of his career and is coming off a postseason in which he averaged 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

Butler would form part of a 'Big 3' alongside Chris Paul and James Harden, and the Rockets will be in for an exciting season if they can bring home the Houston native.