Carmelo Anthony's suitors, which include the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Lakers, are still in contention for landing the Knicks star this summer in the 2014 NBA Free Agency. Technically, each of them still has a chance of stealing Melo away from the Knicks but their is a growing sense in the league that the perennial all-star forward will likely choose between the Knicks & Lakers after the two teams made their pitches which included a max contract for Melo if he opts to stay with them.
The Houston Rockets must have also felt that they are losing the Melo free agency battle as sources with knowledge on the Rockets plans revealed that the team has intensified their pursuit of Heat power forward Chris Bosh over the weekend after rumors broke out that LeBron James may be considering leaving the heat.
Bosh, however, remains determined to wait on James whether he will resign with the Heat before he entertains other offers as the shooting forward still leans on returning to Miami with James according to one source. But with James still unsure on his next decision - handcuffing the Heat from making free agency signings including the "Big 3" - Bosh is feeling the urge to explore Plan Bs," the source also suggested.
The Rockets are also in the process of completing salary-dump deals that would give them enough salary-cap room to sign a high-priced free agent who would be willing to play for the franchise. The team has already traded Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans and ESPN.com reported on the weekend that the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to make a sign-and-trade deal for Jeremy Lin and his $15 million contract as long as the Rockets include attractive assets like future first-round draft picks and perhaps even more.
The Rockets can clearly elevate their game and increase thier chances of making a deep run in the tough Western Conference with a big forward capable of stretching the floor and shooting the 3-ball like Bosh. In their quest for the perfect front court complement to All-Star center Dwight Howard - who is a beast in the paint -, Bosh and Nowitzki are on top of the Rockets wish list according to sources. Now that Nowitzki has committed to staying a Maverick for the rest of his career, look for the Rockets to make a serious run on Bosh.
But as much as the team want's to have Bosh this summer, they may have to wait a little bit more until James makes his decision which will impact their odds on acquiring Chris Bosh this offseason.
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