Houston Rockets owner Daryl Morey is under pressure to get his team under the luxury tax threshold as this season's trade deadline draws near, according to a report from CNBC.
“He’s got a new owner now. This isn’t the old days with Leslie Alexander; he’s with Fertitta now, who counts every penny. It’s a new world there,” one league executive said.
According to league sources who spoke to CNBC, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is seeking to shed additional salary off the team’s nearly $140 million payroll in hopes of avoiding a luxury tax.
How can the Rockets get under the luxury tax threshold? ESPN recently reported that Houston might be open to the idea of trading center Clint Capela, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the team last season.
“They’re done with Capela,” one Western Conference executive told CNBC, requesting that his name remain anonymous.
Capela would be a fine addition for any team looking for a solid presence in the paint. The 25-year-old big man is currently averaging 13.9 points on 62.9 percent shooting from the field, and 13.8 rebounds. Several teams are already being viewed as interested suitors, including the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that there could even be a multi-team trade in play.
Capela has been dealing with a nagging heel injury of late, and he was held out of Sunday's game against the Pelicans. Danuel House has started in the two games Capela missed.
The Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday night, when they'll serve as hosts to the Charlotte Hornets. Tip-off inside the Toyota Center is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
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