Top 3 players being currently linked with Houston Rockets

After completing a stunning swoop for Russell Westbrook during the 2019 offseason, the Houston Rockets finally hoped that they would be able to advance from the Western Conference.

However despite Westbrook's impact, the Rockets currently sit 6th in the West and there is little evidence to suggest they can compete with the Lakers and LA Clippers in the postseason.

Nevertheless, Houston's front office is known for its relentless pursuit of a title and the team is expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline. So with a week left to make moves, here are the top three players being linked with a move to the Rockets.

#3 Davis Bertans - Washington Wizards

Davis Bertans has enjoyed a breakout season so far with the Wizards

Reports emerged last week that the Rockets were looking to add a wing ahead of the deadline. Due to a lack of available cap space, Houston's options may be limited, although Greg Swarts of B/R believes that Davis Bertans is a realistic option:

The Rockets have so much money tied up that they may need to find someone making less than $10 million for salary-matching purposes. The Rockets could offer their 2020 first-round pick while putting together enough salary to match Bertans' $7 million contract this season.

After spending three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Bertans was sent to Wizards last summer as the team attempted to complete a move for Marcus Morris.

While the Wizards are already out of playoff contention due to a dismal collective season, Bertans is currently enjoying the best season of his career. Over 37 appearances, Davis has averaged 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game - while also shooting 42.7 percent from beyond the arc.

#2 Robert Covington - Minnesota Timberwolves

The Rockets are among several teams interested in signing the Timberwolves wing

The Minnesota Timberwolves have endured another disappointing season and the front office recently traded away Jeff Teague as part of an ongoing rebuild.

The expectation is that more talent could depart ahead of the trade deadline, and Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal is reporting the Rockets are among a crowded field of teams interested in signing Robert Covington:

As much as the Minnesota Timberwolves want to keep him, they’re a longshot to make the playoffs and this might be the time to maximize their return on Covington. The Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Rockets and 76ers are among the teams that have expressed some Covington interest, according to people familiar with the matter.

After spending more than five years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Convington was traded the Timberwolves back in 2018 as part of the Jimmy Butler deal. A capable 3-and-D wing, Covington has played 46 times this season - averaging 12.8 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

#1 Andre Iguodala - Memphis Grizzlies

Andre Iguodala reached five consecutive NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors

While the Rockets will be aggressive in the trade market over the next week, there are no guarantees that the front office will be able to complete a deal. In the event that the Rockets strikeout, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle believes that the front office will look at buyout candidates such as Andre Iguodala:

The Rockets could opt to wait for the post-deadline free agent market. They have been aggressive there in recent seasons. If Andre Iguodala is not dealt next week, he would seem to be the top prize to become available.

After winning three championships in six seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Iguodala was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies last summer.

However, he has spent the season away from the team as the Grizzlies work towards a trade. The Dallas Mavericks and Clippers have been linked with a move for the 36-year-old - although it looks increasingly likely that Iguodala will be bought out following the deadline.