The Houston Rockets have emerged as an “increasingly serious threat” to lure free agent Chris Paul away from the L.A. Clippers this offseason after MVP candidate James Harden have been a vocal advocate to play alongside him, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Paul, 32, has been in the middle of talks around the league as one of the hottest free agents out in the market, despite being heavily favored to return to Lob City, as they can offer nearly $60 million more than any other team.
The perennial All-Star point guard has been linked to another team in the state of Texas, after drawing interest from the San Antonio Spurs in the wake of Tony Parker‘s season-ending injury.
The Rockets will have to be able to clear the sufficient salary-cap space to make Paul their best possible offer, one that could still come well-short of the $210 million over a five-year period that L.A. can dole out for his services.
Harden has made his intentions known to management and the Winston-Salem native as well, in an attempt to get past the second round of the postseason and keep him away from the grasp of the Spurs, who eliminated them 4-2 in the Western Conference semifinals.
If Paul decides to sign with Houston, it could leave a huge gap, as forward Blake Griffin has also expressed willingness to test the free agency waters and could leave even before Paul chooses to make a move.
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